In our Strategy 2030, we recognized that measuring the tangible impact of knowledge-related work on development outcomes is inherently complex. As such, our monitoring and evaluation system goes beyond tracking outputs like the number of knowledge brief requests or resource downloads. It places greater emphasis on capturing meaningful changes in processes, including shifts in attitudes, practices, and institutional behaviors.
We have also defined a number of questions and signals that indicate if we are on track to contribute positively to policy processes and outcomes. Below are some examples of questions we ask ourselves and our partners:
Research agenda design and uptake
- How many requests for research agenda design have we received, and from which types of stakeholders or institutions?
- How many research agendas have been co-developed or facilitated?
- To what extent are knowledge producers aligning their research efforts with the priorities identified in these agendas?
- Are policy stakeholders allocating budgets or resources to support research activities aligned with these agendas?
Demand and use of policy inputs
- Is there a growing demand among policy stakeholders for knowledge products such as knowledge briefs, solutions briefs, or evidence summaries?
- In what contexts and for what purposes have these policy inputs been used?
- Can we trace specific examples where these inputs informed policy formulation, implementation, or evaluation?
Knowledge translation and innovation
- How receptive are policy stakeholders to our innovative knowledge translation strategies?
- Are researchers in the field adopting or piloting innovative translation methods beyond traditional dissemination?
- What support or conditions enable the uptake of innovative knowledge translation methods?
Influence on policy and decision-making
- Is our knowledge work meaningfully shaping policies, strategies, or interventions?
- At which stages of the policy cycle (agenda-setting, formulation, implementation, evaluation) are our contributions having the most influence?
- Under what conditions (e.g., timing, stakeholder engagement, political climate) do these changes tend to occur
