The policy cycle
One way to improve the impact of your scientific research is to engage with policy. Doing so can create new opportunities for yourself and your research. The main challenges are knowing when and how to effectively communicate scientific results to policy. If the wrong timing or communication method is chosen then results are less likely to be incorporated into the policy process.
The policy cycle is an idealised process that explains how policy should be drafted, implemented and assessed. It serves more as an instructive guide for those new to policy than as a practical strictly-defined process, but many organisations aim to complete policies using the policy cycle as an optimal model.
The policy cycle is made up of roughly six stages and science can be incorporated into every step. How science supports these different stages are described below.
Agenda setting
This step identifies new issues that may require government action. If multiple areas are identified they can all be assessed, or particular issues may be given a priority.
Scientific Input: New scientific results can be the foundation for forming new policies. Additionally, new focus areas can be anticipated through horizon / foresight scanning events that aim to identify emerging issues of policy-relevance.
Example: a foresight study may indicate that the growing population and steadily increasing energy consumption per capita will require an increased energy production. This, along with the need to reduce emissions and limit future climate change, may result in policymakers deciding to increase solar panel production and usage.
Formulation
This step defines the structure of the policy. What goals need to be achieved? Will there be additional implications? What will the costs be? How will key stakeholders react to these effects?
Scientific Input: Science can be incorporated in this stage through impact assessments, which aim to comprehensively assess what effects will occur from a potential policy. These assessments can study multiple strategies to identify the optimum policy.
Example: Should governments offer tax-breaks to start-up renewable energy companies? Or should they offer individual subsidies to solar panel buyers? What might be the effects of these actions?
Adoption
Once the appropriate approval (governmental, legislative, referendum voting etc.) is granted then a policy can be adopted.
Science Input: Those in charge of approving a certain policy will often seek external advice that is independent to those who drafted the policy. Scientists can be called upon to offer advice within the decision-making process.
Example: A nation-wide policy to increase solar capacity can be implemented by the national government, but changing a law will require a vote in Parliament.
Implementation
Establishing that the correct partners have the resources and knowledge to implement the policy. This could involve creating an external organisation to carry out actions. Monitoring to ensure correct policy implementation is also necessary.
Scientific Input: Scientific advice can logistically support the policy being implemented. Scientists can provide methodological guidance to policy workers and advisory bodies who implement the policy.
Example: Administration processes to allow organisations and individuals to apply for solar energy subsidies / tax benefits need to be created.
Evaluation
This step assesses the effectiveness and success of the policy. Did any unpredicted effects occur? These assessments can be quantitative and/or qualitative.
Scientific Input: Scientists can evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of policies. This can be done independently or working with policy implementers.
Example: The UK and Germany introduced highly popular solar energy policies. Energy production at certain times of the day and year have substantially increased. Occasionally more energy is being produced than is needed, which leads to further questions about how to handle the 'excess' energy.
Support / maintenance
This step studies how the policy might be developed, or provides additional support for its continuation. Additionally, the policy can be terminated if deemed redundant, accomplished, or ineffective.
Scientific Input: As a policy is continued, scientific advice may be needed on an ad-hoc basis. Updated feedback can be given when needed to help maintain and improve policies.
Example: Even if a policy is considered a success, should it be continued? Should solar panel policies be continued, or should policies now focus on improving national electric grids, or should energy storage policies be developed instead?
Remember that scientists should only offer a supportive role to the policy cycle. They should present only the current state of scientific knowledge. Policy officials are the decision-makers.
The policy cycle has been described as a theoretical concept that it not fully translatable to real world applications. Sometimes, some stages of the cycle are never delivered. Without scientists some of the stages are difficult to accomplish, therefore scientists are in a position to strengthen the policy cycle’s structure through expert advice and assistance.