What is the Focus of the AudienceScapes Policy Research Program?

Effective development requires effective policies. That's why development organizations and issues-based advocacy groups devote considerable time and effort to communication with government officials, to try to positively influence and support the policy process. 

But what are the most effective methods of policy communication? And how can development groups best support good policies? The AudienceScapes research team goes to the policymakers themselves to find out - and provide their perspective on how key information gaps can be filled.

We conduct in-depth interviews with senior policymakers and ask about their information-gathering habits and needs. Policy reports feature recommendations for the development community on how to improve policy communication as well as how to bolster senior officials' capacity for crafting evidene-based development policies.

We talk to senior officials who work in: 
Government Ministries
Presidential Offices
Parliaments
Specialized Government Development Agencies
Influential Nongovernmental Development Partners

The result: An "information ecology" at the policy level which identifies information preferences, needs and recommendations of key actors in the development realm. Particular attention is paid to their interactions with global development partners, looking at how these partners can best play a role in supporting effective development.