"Internet access is exploding around the world. In the 10 years up to 2021, the proportion of people around the world with access to the internet grew from 33 to 63%, and by 2022 the number of active social media users hit 4.62 billion. Policymakers and opinion formers have an opportunity to tap int
...
o the wealth of digital media intelligence that is created and to use that intelligence to advance a sustainable development agenda. But like any research practice, gathering digital media intelligence has its challenges. In this briefing we describe some of the pitfalls and how to avoid them, drawing on examples from a partnership between IIED and Marble Global, a digital research consultancy that works with organisations seeking to affect positive change." (Page 1)
more
"Communication on climate change research has long been dominated by top-down delivery of information aimed at informing on future climate scenarios and climate-related events. However, emphasis in this field is slowly shifting to more process-oriented approaches to communication, and the need to in
...
tegrate learning is receiving increasing attention. This article argues that despite the challenges in shifting research communication on climate change into a more dialogical and learning-oriented model of practice, the realities faced by communities impacted on the ground make this shift imperative. Drawing on recent research, we consider how the context in which initiatives seek to engage in research communication will and should influence what is possible and what is desirable through these new approaches. We reflect on how efforts to understand context in one particular case served to shape a communication strategy from its outset, and note the opportunities and challenges revealed through this process. We then conclude by highlighting how climate change has reinforced arguments in favour of a focus of inclusive learning processes in communication for development." (Abstract)
more
"The main findings of the review are: 1. General consensus on the importance of research communication among the donors interviewed, and wide interest in developing appropriate programmes and mechanisms. 2. Little evidence of a strategic approach within individual agencies, with research communicati
...
on generally dispersed within the organisation. 3. Emphasis continues to be on the supply side of research, with a weak understanding of and capacity to support the demand side of research communication. 4. Many examples of good practice and of innovative initiatives, also related to engaging users and other stakeholders in the research communication process. 5. Several donors are placing a priority on being a learning organisation, with research communication contributing to internal knowledge management. 6. No comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation systems in place to assess the effectiveness and relevance of various research communication approaches, and to feed this information back into research communication policy and investment decisions. 7. Most donors maintain their own web portals / archives of research findings. 8. There is a strong interest among donors to explore and expand open access to funded research findings. 9. Most donors would welcome strengthening networking and linkages between donors interested in research communication to improve efficiency and effectiveness, for shared learning and for greater impact. 10. DFID is recognized and valued as one of the leaders in the field of research communication." (Summary)
more