By: Olasoji Fagbola
Abstract:
The need to incorporate scientific evidence in policy formulation and execution has been widely recognised in literature (Yagboyaju, 2019). Over the years there have been increases of literature focusing on knowledge and how public policies can be better informed by evidence. This practice also termed evidence-informed policy making (EIP) or evidence-based practice has been promoted to help in policy development in most countries (Lomas, 2000; WHO, 2007).
Evidence-Informed Policy-Making (EIP) or Evidence-based practice is defined as the systematic ways to ensure that research evidence becomes incorporated into policy-making.
It has been referred to severally as knowledge transfer, knowledge translation, research utilisation, implementation, knowledge exchange, diffusion and dissemination (Graham et al., 2006). One of the characteristics of EIP is the systematic and transparent access to, and appraisal of evidence as an input into policy-making. Thus, science advice is playing an increasing role in the formulation of policy and decision making.
Within the innovation literature, evidence is argued to include experiences or received wisdom of individuals. Nonetheless, it is important to emphasise that scientific evidence is argued to be the most reliable among the different facts used to support a policy or conclusion (Campbell et al., 2009; Dobrow et al., 2004).
Therefore, it is not surprising that Evidence-informed policy-making has assumed increased importance in several arenas of policy-making in many countries.