Using knowledge brokering to promote evidence-based policy-making: The need for support structures.

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Knowledge Translation
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• The "know-do gap" hinders the application of research in policy-making.
• Knowledge brokering facilitates the interactive process between knowledge producers and users.
• This approach aims to co-produce feasible, research-informed policy options.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a successful knowledge brokering initiative in the Netherlands.
• To discuss requirements for institutionalizing knowledge brokering.
• To explore the potential of knowledge brokering for health policy in low-income countries, using the REACH-Policy Initiative as a case study.

Main Methods:

• Case study analysis of a knowledge brokering initiative.
• Exploration of intermediary organization roles (regional networks, institutional mechanisms, funding agencies).
• Discussion of lessons learned and recommendations for strengthening research-policy relationships.

Main Results:

• Successful application of knowledge brokering demonstrated in the Netherlands.
• Identification of key roles for intermediary organizations in supporting knowledge brokering.
• Potential for knowledge brokering to enhance health policy development in resource-limited settings.

Conclusions:

• Knowledge brokering is a vital strategy for closing the research-policy gap.
• Institutional support for intermediary organizations is crucial for effective knowledge brokering.
• Adopting and learning from brokerage approaches can foster evidence-based policy and policy-relevant research.