Translating Policy and Engaging Stakeholders

A policy brief is a focused, evidence-based document that presents a summary of information about government practices and policies for a non-specialized audience in a succinct and simplified form. It is a vehicle for exploring an issue,  distilling the research or project findings, and providing recommendations or policy advice or arguing for a course of action.

Why are Policy Briefs Important?

• Communicate complex issues and practical implications of research to stakeholders and the public
• Synthesis of data and research finding to convey policy implications
• Provides recommendations, course of actions, alternatives for decision-making in policy
• Evidence-based approach to policy

Examples of Policy Briefs

Empower, Include, and Inspire: G20 Public Leadership to Advance Responsibility, Resilience, and Sustainability for a Fair Global Economy

Author(s): Vision 20 Working Group – 2017 (V20 Coordinator – Yves Tiberghien, Director of the Institute of Asian Research at the University of British Columbia)

Published: May 16, 2017

Topic/Policy Area: G20, global economy, public governance, political leadership

Format/Elements

• Title
• Challenge
• Proposal
• Action Plan
• Conclusion
• References

Persuasiveness

• Clear, straightforward language (though it could perhaps be simpler and more concise – think Hemingway)
• Use of labeling (e.g. “proposed actions”) and subheadings
• Speaks in terms of advantages and benefits
• Policy and recommendation supported by sources and sound, critical analysis
• Use of bolding, italics, color and bullet points to highlight important points
• Recommendations and proposed actions are sound, clear and practical

Bottom line: Persuaded? Yes!

China: Canada’s Strategic Imperative

Author(s): Dan Ciuriak (Centre for International Governance Innovation)

Published: January 25, 2017

Topic/Policy Area: China, Canada, Strategy, R&D, free trade agreement (FTA), globalization

Format/Elements

• Title
• Key Points
• Introduction
• Findings/Discussion
• Conclusion
• Works Cited

Persuasiveness

• Deep, thorough, evidence-based summary and analysis of China (though the piece is a bit long in length compared to the other examples)
• Describes challenges, projections, and opportunities
• Speaks in terms of advantages and benefits
• Very broad policy recommendations provided – could be more focused and specific
• Good use of sidebars as well as bullet points and color

Bottom line: Persuaded? Somewhat – more focused policy recommendations would be preferred.

Strengthening Innovation for Productivity and Greater Wellbeing (Japan Policy Brief)

Author(s): OECD

Published: April 2017

Topic/Policy Area: Innovation, Japan

Format/Elements

• Title
• Key Points
• What’s the issue?
• Why is this important?
• What should policymakers do?
• Further reading

Persuasiveness

• Great use of color, subheadings, and graph to illustrate the context and implication
• Very easy-to-follow subheadings (easily answered the “so what” and implications questions)
• Clearly outlines opportunities and benefits
• Practical policy recommendations made

Bottom line: Persuaded? Yes.

Towards More Evidence-based Policymaking for Better Results (Hungary Policy Brief)

Author(s): OECD

Published: April 2016

Topic/Policy Area: Public governance, Hungary

Format/Elements

• Title
• Key points
• What’s the issue?
• Why is this important?
• What should policymakers do?
• Further reading

Persuasiveness

• Great use of color, subheadings, and graph to illustrate the context and implication
• Answers the “so what” question – clear communication of policy implications
• Speaks in terms of benefits and advantages
• Practical policy recommendations made regarding effective monitoring and evaluation outcomes (e.g. using outcome-based targets and indicators, greater use of stakeholder consultations, greater transparency to build public trust)

Bottom line: Persuaded? Yes.

Synthesis of Policy Brief Examples

Common Format of a Policy Brief

• Title
• Executive summary/key points
• Introduction/Context/Scope of Problem
• Policy options
• Implications and Policy Recommendations
• Sources

Elements of Effective Policy Briefs

• Clear (and possibly interesting) title
• Focuses on a single topic
• Answers the “so what?” question
• Document is not very long
• Use of subheadings to break up text and organize information
• Clear, succinct and accessible (straightforward) language that is easy to understand
• Sound and critical analysis of policy options
• Speaks in terms of benefits and advantages
• Supported by sources and research – evidence-based
• Use of graphs, charts, data visualization or other visual aids
• Use of sidebars

Resources and Works Consulted

Eoin Young and Lisa Quinn (Budapest: Local Government Initiative/Open Society Institute), “The Policy Brief,” http://tram.mcgill.ca/Teaching/URBP619/PolicyBrief-described.pdf 

IRDC – International Development Research Centre, “How to write a policy brief,” https://www.idrc.ca/sites/default/files/idrcpolicybrieftoolkit.pdf