Abstract: In the evolving landscape of data-driven development, understanding the impact of research on national and international policy is paramount. This paper delves into the challenging realm of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) in research for development, particularly focusing on an underexplored area of data justice: tracking policy influence from scientific research.
This paper combines an extensive literature review with 10 in-depth expert interviews that systematize the importance of tracking research influence, main methodologies used, and the current characteristics of the data ecosystem in MEL for development. It then uses a computational data science approach to assess the influence of research on three case studies involving gender-based violence and educational policies in Latin America and Africa. Specifically, it explores a searchable index of millions of policy documents (Overton), combined with contextual information, to assess possible metrics of research influence on policy.
While unveiling the potential of data and tools based on novel algorithms in the MEL domain, the paper uncovers a stark reality: the data is incomplete, and its advantages are skewed towards the Global North. The coverage and representation in the Global South are significantly lacking, with idiosyncratic differences influencing how research is used in policy decisions. This research contributes to the broader discourse on fairness and justice in data and computational systems. It emphasizes the need for nuanced approaches in evaluating research impact on policy decisions, advocating for a more equitable data landscape in the pursuit of global development goals.
Bio: Carla Bonina is Associate Professor (Reader) of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Surrey Business School in the UK. She has more than 15 years of experience conducting research on digital platforms, digital social innovation, and policy for sustainable development. Her research has been funded by prestigious bodies, including the European Union's Horizon 2020, and the UK's Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). She provides strategic advice on digital transformation and social innovation to governments, international organisations, and start-ups, including the OECD, the World Bank and Avina Americas among others. She is considered a Latin American expert. Carla holds a PhD in Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).