How do we bridge the gap between academic knowledge and policy action?
In our world today, the potential of academic knowledge to drive positive change is clear. But often, the bridge between research and real-world policy is shaky, or sometimes nonexistent. How do we ensure that social science research doesn’t stay buried in academic journals, but becomes an actionable toolkit for leaders and policymakers? In this series, we explore practical ways to bridge the divide between academia and policy, offering insights on turning knowledge into meaningful action.
What is the Purpose of Knowledge?
The true purpose of knowledge is to make the world better—to improve the human condition. From medicine to environmental protection, scientific advancements have pushed humanity forward. But in social structures and relationships, the link between research and policy can be weak. This gap is a problem we urgently need to solve, particularly in social sciences where insights on human relationships and societies are critical.
Just as industry turns scientific research into practical products, policymakers need to transform social science into actionable solutions. But how can we make that happen?
Knowledge Should Be Useful and Usable
Accessibility of knowledge is a major hurdle. Academic research is often published in dense language, locked behind paywalls, or written in ways that are challenging to apply in practice. True accessibility is not just about making research available—it’s about making it understandable and immediately useful to those in policy positions.
For example, policymakers need more than an academic study showing the benefits of early childhood education. They need clear, concise recommendations on what actions to take, such as investing in preschool programs or training educators—presented in a way that is quick and easy to digest. This is the kind of knowledge translation that makes real change possible. Similar issues exist in other areas such as conflict resolution and peacebuilding, where policy people need concrete and actionable findings.
One example of massive amounts of information boiled down for a policymaker is the President’s Daily Brief (PDB). This document is a top-secret daily rundown for the President of the United States, and it compiles top-line points by national security agencies (mostly the CIA, but not solely) on important issues, global developments, and potential threats. It is personalized to the learning style and issues of concern of each president, and is meant to provide focused information to the top decision-maker without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. Can you imagine how powerful the consumable, policy-relevant version of global academic work could be? Especially if it can be done in a timely fashion?
On the opposite side, take the vast evidence-based knowledge in academic journals on issues that are critical for society. One example is African Conflict & Peacebuilding Review (ACPR), which is a major academic journal on peace and conflict in Africa. The journal has been publishing on nearly all aspects of the causes of conflicts and conflict resolution in Africa since 2010. The journal is rich with data and analysis of African conflicts. Even with the effort to include a small briefings section in the journal, all the works remain academically dense and inaccessible. The briefing papers remain deeply academic, long and inactionable. That vast and rich knowledge hardly reaches policy makers not only because of the paywall and academic density, but also the poor loop between scholars of peace and conflict in Africa and African leaders and policy makers.
Reimagining the Loop Between Academia and Policy
One potential solution is creating a “dual publication” model for academic studies: a traditional academic version alongside a policy brief that is clear and practical. Scholars and policy experts also need closer collaboration to translate findings into meaningful actions for decision-makers. Universities could evolve by rewarding academics not only for publications but also for real-world engagement and impact.
To make this a reality, we need narratives that resonate with both academics and policymakers. With the U.S. President-Elect poised to significantly reduce government staff, U.S. policymakers will need to increasingly rely on external experts and analysts to develop policy. The U.S.—and other governments—should have been doing this all along, especially in Africa. Too often, African voices have been left out of the data collection and analysis of African issues on a global scale. This must change—not just for the U.S., but for Europe, China, and elsewhere. By engaging local experts and ensuring that African perspectives are central to policymaking, we can create more effective and equitable policies. This shift would not only lead to better outcomes for Africa but also enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of global policy decisions.
Call to Action: How can academic institutions and policymakers collaborate more effectively to ensure that valuable research drives real-world policy change and makes a lasting impact?
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into the role of AI and how technology can be leveraged to bridge this gap even more effectively.
—Virginia Blaser, a retired senior U.S. diplomat and now tech CEO, and Professor Abu Bah, founder of IRPIA, are co-authoring this series to address a longstanding issue they are both passionate about: making academic research more accessible and actionable for policymakers. Virginia’s extensive experience in diplomacy and policy, combined with Abu’s deep understanding of academia and research, uniquely positions them to explore how the worlds of policy and academia can better collaborate. Together, they bring insights from both sides of the divide, aiming to create practical solutions that will make academic knowledge a valuable tool for decision-makers globally.