The effectiveness of rapid evidence in fast-paced policy contexts

Research theme

Evidence-informed policy, strategy and foresight

Project type

Associate student research

Project status

In progress

The study of rapid evidence sources represents new ground for scholars interested in evidence-based policymaking and crisis management decision making. As a consequence, we know very little about the role and appropriateness of different types of evidence sources, their ability to be absorbed in high pressure contexts and their relative influence over decision making. This research therefore aims to better understand the effectiveness of rapid evidence.

Research team

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Eleanor Williams

Research leader

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A/Prof Alastair Stark

Supervisor

Project details

This research aims to better understand the effectiveness of rapid evidence through core research questions that ask:

What factors allow rapid evidence to be used effectively in policymaking processes?
What are the predominant rapid evidence sources that governments in Australia and the UK have relied upon to inform decision-making in fast-paced policy environments? How are these sources being synthesised and communicated?
Why and how are different evidence sources relied upon in particular circumstances (shorter and longer timeframes, crisis and core policy responses, different availability of data sources)?
What could be done to improve access to, and utilisation of, relevant and useable (fit-for-purpose) rapid evidence for decision-makers under time pressure?

To answer these questions, the research will analyse rapid evidence use by policy-makers in the UK and Australia. More specifically it will examine the creation and utilisation of rapid evidence in two policy contexts: the Covid-19 crisis response and mental health policy. This will provide an international comparison and an analysis of rapid evidence under crisis and ‘everyday’ (but still fast paced) policy conditions.

Participating organisations

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