Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envsci.2018.04.013
Licence creative commons licence
Title (Primary) Understanding the impacts of research synthesis
Author Wyborn, C.; Louder, E.; Harrison, J.; Montambault, J.; Montana, J.; Ryan, M.; Bednarek, A.; Nesshöver, C.; Pullin, A.; Reed, M.; Dellecker, E.; Kramer, J.; Boyd, J.; Dellecker, A.; Hutton, J.
Source Titel Environmental Science & Policy
Year 2018
Department NSF
Volume 86
Page From 72
Page To 84
Language englisch
Supplements https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S1462901117311048-mmc1.xlsx
Keywords Synthesis research; Science policy interface; Credibility; Salience; Legitimacy; Research impact
Abstract Research synthesis is the integration of existing knowledge and research findings pertinent to an issue. The aim of synthesis is to increase the generality and applicability of those findings and to develop new knowledge through the process of integration. Synthesis is promoted as an approach that deals with the challenge of öinformation overload’, delivering products that further our understanding of problems and distil relevant evidence for decision-making. However, despite the increasing prominence of synthesis efforts in the science and policy landscape, we know very little about the impacts these initiatives have on research, policy and practice and the assumptions underpinning how they will lead to change. This paper presents a framework for considering the conceptual, strategic, instrumental and network-based impacts of research synthesis on policy. This framework provides insight into the range of underlying assumptions and impacts on policy and practice from 10 case studies of research synthesis related to contemporary sustainability challenges. Findings suggest that research synthesis is having diverse impacts on research, policy and practice including creating a new understanding of problems, establishing new networks, and contributing to changes in policy and practice. These impacts emerged across a range of contexts, synthesis methods, assumptions and operating models. This suggests that there is no single öcorrect way’ to design research synthesis for impact, but rather a need to tailor the approach for the context of intended use.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=20284
Wyborn, C., Louder, E., Harrison, J., Montambault, J., Montana, J., Ryan, M., Bednarek, A., Nesshöver, C., Pullin, A., Reed, M., Dellecker, E., Kramer, J., Boyd, J., Dellecker, A., Hutton, J. (2018):
Understanding the impacts of research synthesis
Environ. Sci. Policy 86 , 72 - 84 10.1016/j.envsci.2018.04.013