Advancing Pluralism in Impact Assessment Through Research Capacity: Lessons from the Yukon Territory, Canada

Abstract

Impact assessment (IA) involves complex interactions among societal actors with diverse knowledge systems and worldviews (ontological pluralism) that ideally combine to both define and support societal goals, such as sustainable development. An often acknowledged but rarely explored concept in these efforts is research capacity — the ability of a group to engage, produce, maintain and use knowledge — and associated implications for pluralistic process outcomes. This paper presents an embedded case study of the IA policy network in the Yukon Territory, Canada, to explore the various roles of research capacity in a well-established IA process where Indigenous and public representation are guaranteed, as is financial support for boundary spanning and knowledge brokering roles to support pluralism. Using Rapid Policy Network Mapping, we examine the formal and informal connections amongst IA policy actors and identify sources and flows of knowledge throughout the network. Results indicate that while research capacity is critical to well-functioning IA processes in the Yukon Territory, the ability of the IA policy network to source, disseminate and engage new knowledge is limited. Important boundary spanning ‘choke points’ can act as both facilitators and barriers, based on the capacity of the knowledge brokers occupying these spaces. The findings inform policy efforts to ensure inclusion and advance pluralism in IA processes.