Evidence, policy and pragmatics: a case study on the development of a national research and data strategy on children’s lives and the role of knowledge exchange

Abstract

This paper presents a case study on the transfer of research into policy and describes how evidence was used to inform, develop, frame and ultimately agree a national strategy for research and data on children's lives in Ireland. The paper highlights key issues arising in the research–policy exchange, but also argues that evidence on its own, while vital and helpful, is insufficient to develop strategy. The paper concludes by highlighting other brokering, pragmatic and strategic considerations that need to be addressed if implementation is to be agreed.