Finding the right research: articulating and implementing demands for research-based policy advice

This study examines the dynamics of research-based policy advice in two Norwegian policy fields: work inclusion and minority integration. By adopting the perspective of policymakers, we show that seeking research-based advice entails navigating a complex advisory subsystem that includes universities, research institutes, consultancies, and internal research and development (R&D) units. We find that policymakers typically prioritize the relevance and quality of advice over the location or academic credentials of advisory actors. This has led to an increasing reliance on contract research, which provides greater control over outputs but may obscure important differences among providers. Furthermore, we emphasize that the search for relevant research is an active, collaborative process requiring significant capacity from policymakers. We conclude that analyses of research-based policy advice should extend beyond academia and advocate for more structured dialogues between advisory actors and policymakers to foster a shared understanding of research needs to enhance the legitimacy of the overall process.