Researchers as knowledge brokers: A step toward research-informed policy? Lessons from the Israeli case

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.28.5115

Keywords:

mediation, knowledge brokering, research use, field-policy-research gap

Abstract

In the 1970s, the role of “chief scientist” was established in Israel as part of a knowledge mediation model aimed to promote research-informed policy and narrow the academia-field-policy gap. This paper examines how when researchers cross the boundary toward a policy role and serve as knowledge brokers, they may promote research utilization in policy. This sheds light on a key issue in the field of education research, specifically, what conditions or circumstances contribute to the maximization of research utilization and the implementation of research-based policy recommendations. Using qualitative methodology, we conducted semi-structured interviews with past chief scientists and analyzed newspaper articles to understand the complex nature of the role and to propose practical suggestions for improving its construction in future policy beyond the Israeli context. Despite the positive aura surrounding the common use of intermediaries, the issue of promoting such entities at the national educational level has not yet been realized in a coherent, stand-alone policy globally.

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Author Biographies

Rony Ramot, Tel Aviv University

Rony Ramot is Doctoral student at Tel Aviv University’s School of Education. The doctoral dissertation deals with research and development policy processes as reflected in university teacher education policy. After a decade in teaching and management positions in the Israeli education system, Rony currently serves as the head of the Alternative Teacher Education Unit at the Kibbutzim.

Gadi Bialik, Tel Aviv University

Dr. Gadi Bialik is Senior Lecturer and Head of the Department of Administration and Organization of Education at the Kibbutzim College (2021) and teaching fellow at the Tel Aviv University School of Education. He specializes in applied educational research (R&D) and leads as a researcher with practitioners, urban systemic experimental fields that research and develop innovative processes and responses to educational challenges in the areas of innovative pedagogy, educational leadership and educational policy.

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Published

2020-09-07

How to Cite

Ramot, R., & Bialik, G. (2020). Researchers as knowledge brokers: A step toward research-informed policy? Lessons from the Israeli case. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 28, 133. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.28.5115

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Articles