Background Demand for rapid evidence-based syntheses to inform health policy and systems decision-making has increased worldwide, including in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). To promote use of rapid syntheses in LMICs, the WHO’s Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research (AHPSR) created the Embedding Rapid Reviews in Health Systems Decision-Making (ERA) Initiative. Following a call for proposals, four LMICs were selected (Georgia, India, Malaysia and Zimbabwe) and supported for 1 year to embed rapid response platforms within a public institution with a health policy or systems decision-making mandate. Methods While the selected platforms had experience in health policy and systems research and evidence syntheses, platforms were less confident conducting rapid evidence syntheses. A technical assistance centre (TAC) was created from the outset to develop and lead a capacity-strengthening program for rapid syntheses, tailored to the platforms based on their original proposals and needs as assessed in a baseline questionnaire. The program included training in rapid synthesis methods, as well as generating synthesis demand, engaging knowledge users and ensuring knowledge uptake. Modalities included live training webinars, in-country workshops and support through phone, email and an online platform. LMICs provided regular updates on policy-makers’ requests and the rapid products provided, as well as barriers, facilitators and impacts. Post-initiative, platforms were surveyed. Results Platforms provided rapid syntheses across a range of AHPSR themes, and successfully engaged national- and state-level policy-makers. Examples of substantial policy impact were observed, including for COVID-19. Although the post-initiative survey response rate was low, three quarters of those responding felt confident in their ability to conduct a rapid evidence synthesis. Lessons learned coalesced around three themes – the importance of context-specific expertise in conducting reviews, facilitating cross-platform learning, and planning for platform sustainability. Conclusions The ERA initiative successfully established rapid response platforms in four LMICs. The short timeframe limited the number of rapid products produced, but there were examples of substantial impact and growing demand. We emphasize that LMICs can and should be involved not only in identifying and articulating needs but as co-designers in their own capacity-strengthening programs. More time is required to assess whether these platforms will be sustained for the long-term.

This paper explored the link between information literacy (IL) and other factors that enable or inhibit the utilisation of research evidence in policymaking in Zimbabwe. The study assumes that if policymakers possess appropriate IL skills to access, assess, synthesise, and apply research evidence, they will naturally use the evidence to inform their policy decisions. Face-to-face interviews with 26 policymakers — technocrats selected from the Parliament of Zimbabwe and two ministries, Industry and Commerce, and Youth, Sport, and Recreation — produced evidence to inform the findings and conclusions. Data synthesis using thematic content analysis confirmed the findings. The results show that while IL skills are critical in enabling policymakers' use of research evidence, multiple other factors also influence the use of research evidence in policymaking due to the complexity of the process. The political and socioeconomic context plays a profound role because of the intricate and nonlinear nature of the policymaking process. Therefore, enhancing evidence use in policymaking revolves around strengthening IL skills at the individual level, including institutional and the broader policy ecosystem, by acknowledging and leveraging personal and institutional relationships. This insight illuminates the need to reorient IL programmes to link them to these other factors.

There is pressure for evidence-informed decision-making (EIDM) emanating from sustainable development challenges, demand for inclusivity, transparency and accountability. Machine learning (ML) and Deep Learning (DL) technologies using Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance EIDM by easing complex decision-making processes. There is significant evidence on the effectiveness of these technologies in processing ‘big data’ too intricate for conventional processing approaches, but a gap exists in using them to support EIDM. The review draws from a rapid review of relevant literature to validate the assertion that ‘ML and DL technologies using AI can enhance EIDM.’ Findings show that originally computer applications were more practical at transaction processing levels and less useful in complex decision support systems. Developments in AI systems changed this. Data management, analytics and visualisation agencies now exist, enabling evidence integration by applying erudite analytics - rendering the evidence easily usable by decision-makers through intuitive visualisation. Complex decision-making can now be automated using AI, making it possible to analyse data trends, develop data consistency, forecast, quantify uncertainty, anticipate user information needs, provide information in the most appropriate form, and suggest numerous courses of action. It is now feasible to forecast the effects of future decisions. This way, policymakers can obtain transformational insights to improve policy outcomes in critical sectors.

Strong national research and knowledge systems are important in national development. If libraries are well integrated in national research and knowledge systems vibrant spaces of intellectual interrogation, research synthesis and translation can be created. Such an institutional landscape is key in linking research and policy, and this is critical for national development. Research and knowledge systems connect and facilitate sharing of lessons learned, what works, where, when, and how among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers thereby strengthening strategic collaborations to drive vital national development initiatives. Research and knowledge systems where libraries are an integral component create robust communities of practice where there is effective use of research and knowledge in policy and practice. This chapter focuses on how libraries can be part of a national research and knowledge system through institutional collaborations and partnerships and how such a system contributes to sustainable development through promotion of evidence informed policy and practice.

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