Making a Difference: M&E of Policy Research - ODI - (2007)

This paper addresses the need to apply M&E (Monitoring and Evaluation) theory towards Policy Research, and suggests a methodology in doing so. Policy Research is research that is undertaken in order to inform and influence public policy, creating an enabling environment. The paper gives a very broad definition of policy, as it uses policy to encompass both policy decisions and processes, including implementation.

As it states, "Conventional academic research is usually evaluated using two approaches: academic peer review, and number of citations in peer-reviewed publications. For policy research programmes, these evaluation tools have proven too limited. They are not well suited to capture some of the broader aims of policy research, such as policy impact, changes in behaviour, or building of relationships. In short, policy research programmes need new monitoring and evaluation (M&E) approaches in order to know whether they are making a difference, not only in the academic world but also in the world outside academia."