Improving the link between policy research and practice: using a scenario workshop as a qualitative research tool in the case of genetically modified crops
Restricted accessOtherFirst published online September, 2008
Improving the link between policy research and practice: using a scenario workshop as a qualitative research tool in the case of genetically modified crops
This article reflects on the use of a scenario workshop as a way of improving the
link between policy-related research and policy practice, in the light of current
interest in evidence-based policy. It describes a scenario workshop that was used to
engage senior policy actors in our research project on the precautionary principle
in relation to genetically modified crops. The workshop highlighted some of the
difficulties faced by qualitative researchers in attempts to provide evidence for
senior policy makers. Nevertheless, we conclude that engaging policy makers within
the research process in this way allows researchers scope to explain more about the
nature of the evidence being produced and how it may be useful. The dialogue
encouraged by more active engagement of potential end-users increases the likelihood
of producing grounded `evidence' that they will find relevant.
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