One way researchers can draw attention to their results is by building relationships with highly influential individuals, often referred to as 'policy entrepreneurs'. Policy analysis research has repeatedly shown that well-placed, well-networked, or highly respected people can play an important, informal role in getting research issues on the agendas of decision makers.
The sceptic might argue that limited capacity, political infighting or ingrained corruption could make this unlikely to succeed. Indeed, policy entrepreneurs are often influential because of the weak capacity of formal institutions. But this is no excuse to dictate local policies from outside. Slow progress in capacity building is better than abandoning good governance ideals. Building research-synthesis structures can help to ensure that policy decisions are as evidence-based as possible, while still representing the interests of local people.
All research findings have political implications. For instance, introducing a new malaria drug might also affect how much the disease is prioritised in the local health budget; how support systems (such as drug purchasing or health worker training) are used; or how health issues are prioritised relative to other social problems.
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