ABSTRACT

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers a set of structured descriptions and discussions of the factors that seem to matter most when organizations and individuals undertake and sustain successful researcher-policymaker partnerships focused on education and social policy. It gives the examples of tools, processes or other resources that relate to the theme and case studies shared. For the most effective policies and practices to exist, researchers and policymakers often must collect and test evidence to show effects in multiple jurisdictions or over an extended period. Applying research to test and implement established, evidence-based practice or to qualitatively explore an emerging promising practice, usually requires the expertise of researchers. Researchers and policymakers who are experts in day-to-day work are perfectly positioned to join forces to find solutions to persistent the social challenges.