Improving the science–policy–practice interface: decision support system uptake and use in the forestry sector in Great Britain

Abstract

Over the last decade, researchers have developed a range of decision support systems (DSS) which seek to improve the evidence-base for decision-making in the forestry sector in Great Britain. Many are now integral to the systems of forest management and planning used. However, in some cases, levels of adoption have been lower than expected. This problem is neither unique to Great Britain nor to forestry, and increasingly it is being explained in terms of the quality of stakeholder engagement during DSS development and implementation. Thus, social research was undertaken to understand the factors affecting DSS uptake. The methods included an online survey completed by 81 members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters and Forestry Commission staff and 30 semi-structured interviews with stakeholders. Four sets of factors were seen to influence uptake: professional judgement and cultural resistance; communication and access; training, support and consolidation; and meeting user requirements. More generally, our conclusions highlight the need for a shift in the quality of interactions at the science-policy-practice interface: from knowledge-transfer (a unidirectional "bridging of gaps") to knowledge-exchange (dialogue between collaborating partners) and knowledgeinteraction (shared cultures and institutions).

An evaluation of Scottish woodland grant schemes using site suitability modelling

“…Finally, the increased use of ESC mirrors a rise in decision support and modelling tools in many field-based professions (Clare and Ray, 2001;Bernard and Prisley, 2005;Reynolds et al, 2007). We found similar conflicts to those identified by Stewart et al (2013) between computer-based decision support tools and forestry experience.…”

“…However, evidence from Wales suggests that designations are often overruled (Wynne-Jones, 2013). Decision support tools such as the Forestry Commission's 'Ecological Site Classification' (ESC) are also actively promoted in woodland planning and are used by approximately one third of private foresters in the UK (Stewart et al, 2013). In the Scottish Highlands, ESC outputs or similar evidence are now required under the SRDP to justify woodland creation in marginal sites (FCS, 2012).…”

“…ESC offers an empirical approach to assessing suitability and is a valuable training tool (Chetcuti et al, 2009;Stewart et al, 2013). However, it strongly relies on the ability of the forester to 'read' the site conditions (Ray and Broome, 2001).…”

Non-market forest ecosystem services and decision support in Nordic countries

“…"Mesta" in Finland), authors have called for the wider consideration of socio-cultural values (Borges et al 2014). For the interaction between science, policy and practice, a shift from "knowledge-transfer (a unidirectional "bridging of gaps") to knowledge-exchange (dialogue between collaborating partners) and knowledge interaction (shared cultures and institutions)" is needed (Stewart et al 2013). This should help to identify the immediate needs of managers and the challenges they face in an attempt to integrate multiple ecosystem services in forest management and produce more operational decision support.…”

Cohesive fire management within an uncertain environment: A review of risk handling and decision support systems

“…This is in fact also perceptible in the broader area of forest management and planning DSSs (Stewart et al, 2013).…”