Challenges in Shaping Policy with Data

Abstract

Brindis and Macfarlane examine the potential for data to enhance decision-making at all stages of policymaking from problem recognition through policy formulation, adoption, implementation and evaluation. Drawing on examples from around the world, the authors examine challenges in translating data into policy and suggest a data broker mediate by working with data specialists to ensure all relevant data are available to answer each policy question, and synthesising and presenting evidence clearly and succinctly to policymakers. Brindis and Macfarlane propose six criteria by which the broker can assess success or failure of knowledge translation by assessing the effectiveness of communication, responsiveness of data systems, formulation of policy questions, timeliness of data collection and analysis, limitations of findings, and usefulness of presentations and dissemination of evidence.