ABSTRACT
This chapter seeks impose a measure overarching order on the various issues discussed in this book and draws the various themes together through a conceptual cumulative influence' framework. Together, the force field and cumulative influence frameworks allow for a comprehensive understanding the research to policy process in relation to state building, and can help those seeking to enhance research use in fragile states identify key issue areas, exploit potential opportunities or avoid common pitfalls. Nevertheless, where a strong, coherent and convincing body of research and evidence emerges on a certain subject, there is a likelihood that, over time, many of the positive factors and dynamics identified above will take hold and the cumulative influence will manifest itself in the increasing engagement with and uptake of the research by policymakers. At this stage, a period of research consolidation, refinement and strengthening takes place whereby new centres with an explicit mandate to explore the issue in greater depth are funded or commissioned.
