Knowledge utilisation in public policy: the case of Roma population research in Slovakia*

Abstract

This article surveys the use of research results in policies directed at the Roma minority in Slovakia and attempts to identify the factors that facilitate or hamper knowledge utilisation. Four case studies covering aspects of Roma issues are examined in detail from initiation to potential policy utilisation, using a uniform framework for analysis and methods including interviews and the document analysis. The main finding is that political context is the dominant factor negatively influencing the policy utilisation of scientific knowledge. In three of the cases studied, this factor was mainly responsible for poor utilisation. Another important negative factor is the character of the research findings themselves: the more general they are, the less likely they are to influence policy formulation. Conversely, utilisation is enhanced by good interconnection between researchers and funders and other stakeholders, including potential users. The most common positive factor was presentation and dissemination of results, especially in terms of popularisation, which depended on academic researchers as well as on stakeholders. In the cases studied, state entities appeared poorly equipped to undertake adequate dissemination, especially compared with non-governmental organisations.