National Policy Makers Research Articles

Exploring the approaches towards support of academic entrepreneurship: evidence from an emerging market

Over the past three decades, an exponentially growing body on elements and actors of the concept of an entrepreneurial university has emerged. Compared to its western European counterparts, however, the idea of the third role of the university has only recently been implemented in Central and Eastern European countries, and thus both research and entrepreneurial practice grapple with empirical results. In this paper, we attempt to fill this gap while adopting a case study approach to examine the issue of what resources a prominent technical university operating in the emerging market of the Czech Republic transfers to academic ventures to utilise and commercialise university research results. Within a survey, nine academic founders and two university representatives were interviewed to assess the role of university resources in facilitating academic entrepreneurship. Our research results suggest that creating infrastructure to foster the third role of universities in an emerging market is a complex and long-term issue. Formal institutions embedded in the intra-university organisational structure, such as knowledge transfer offices and entrepreneurial centres, need to be equipped with sufficient resources and competences. Skilled people with their own network of contacts to intra-university departments and external environment represented by regional incubators, venture capital providers, business angel associations, and experienced entrepreneurs should be involved in the process of creating and increasing capacity. Furthermore, the upcoming agenda should undoubtedly acknowledge the significant role of entrepreneurship education with a focus on talent recognition and entrepreneurship training to impact the entrepreneurial intentions of researchers and students. Overall, we also conclude that the motivation of academics to commercialise their inventions could be positively affected by the applied concepts of assessing their performance. Finally, this study shows that measures at all management levels have to be adopted to create a vital organisational culture that will be in alignment with the vision of entrepreneurial university. The novelty of this paper is twofold. First, the study provides a useful methodological concept of data collection as the multi-level approach was applied for studying the phenomenon of entrepreneurial university. Furthermore, the research findings have valuable implications for university authorities, as well as national and local policy makers, in creating growth programmes and supporting the entrepreneurial mindset.

Carbon Soil Mapping in a Sustainable-Managed Farm in Northeast Italy: Geochemical and Geophysical Applications

Recently, there has been increasing interest in organic carbon (OC) certification of soil as an incentive for farmers to adopt sustainable agricultural practices. In this context, this pilot project combines geochemical and geophysical methods to map the distribution of OC contents in agricultural fields, allowing us to detect variations in time and space. Here we demonstrated a relationship between soil OC contents estimated in the laboratory and the apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) measured in the field. Specifically, geochemical elemental analyses were used to evaluate the OC content and relative isotopic signature in collected soil samples from a hazelnut orchard in the Emilia–Romagna region of Northeastern Italy, while the geophysical Electromagnetic Induction (EMI) method enabled the in situ mapping of the ECa distribution in the same soil field. According to the results, geochemical and geophysical data were found to be reciprocally related, as both the organic matter and soil moisture were mainly incorporated into the fine sediments (i.e., clay) of the soil. Therefore, such a relation was used to create a map of the OC content distribution in the investigated field, which could be used to monitor the soil C sequestration on small-scale farmland and eventually develop precision agricultural services. In the future, this method could be used by farmers and regional and/or national policymakers to periodically certify the farm’s soil conditions and verify the effectiveness of carbon sequestration. These measures would enable farmers to pursue Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) incentives for the reduction of CO2 emissions.

A pharmaceutical policy accident: collision of shareholder capitalism and Chinese state capitalism driving the shortage of an essential antibiotic.

An explosion in a Chinese factory in 2016 caused a global shortage of essential broad-spectrum antibiotic piperacillin-tazobactam. Hitherto, no detailed, policy-relevant analysis has been conducted on this major shortage event. Thus, we aimed to (1) investigate causes; (2) describe supply chain challenges; and (3) uncover policy gaps to support possible mitigation actions. Applying an analytical framework for security of medical supply chains, we investigated the changing roles of Pfizer-led and Chinese API suppliers. We identified demand surge, capacity reduction and co-ordination failures. Triangulating between scientific literature, corporate, and regulatory documents, we analysed the impact of Western and Chinese policy contexts on supply chain resilience. We uncovered 'red flags': geographically dispersed manufacturing failures due to complexity of sterile production; undetected supply chain concentration and interlinkages; and Chinese policy-led API supplier consolidation. We found these warning signals were ignored in the absence of a co-ordinated policy framework to identify and mitigate emerging global supply risks. Firstly, policy makers lacked visibility on growing 'volume dependency' in the chain. Secondly, national policy makers lacked a global view of supply risk. Thirdly, we show antibiotic API manufacturing economics were impacted by a number of non-pharmaceutical policy decisions (e.g. state aid, environmental standards, procurement rules) which contributed to supply chain vulnerability. Our findings suggest possible policy gaps in governance of supply chain resilience. Firstly, disclosure of API suppliers including degree of dependency may better pre-empt bottlenecks, facilitating priority setting for public investments in re-shoring where global API supply currently relies on few, or single plants; secondly, a whole-of-government approach may counter the potential impact of non-pharmaceutical policies on supply chain resilience. Our findings confirm suggestions from previous studies that international data sharing would be beneficial considering the global shortage effects which can emerge from a single point of failure.

Engaging stakeholders in embedded newborn health services/systems research in Kenya; a continuous process involving multiple actors.

Background Engaging relevant stakeholders throughout the research cycle is increasingly recognised as critical to conducting quality health systems research. There are few descriptions and analyses of stakeholder engagement in practice for embedded health systems research especially those that must navigate multi-level decentralised health systems. We describe and reflect on the stakeholder engagement activities of an international multi-disciplinary programme of research focused on newborn care in hospitals in Kenya. Methodology Our experienced project stakeholder engagement group coordinated engagement activities across multiple stakeholders with differing interests in the research. We conducted a stakeholder mapping and analysis using an engagement matrix to include national and county-level policymakers, professional communities, associations and regulators, health managers, frontline healthcare workers, patients, families and patient representative groups. Our engagement group maintained a log of engagement activities and had regular programme feedback meetings and discussions. As part of our analysis of stakeholder engagement, we drew on project documents and meeting minutes, and on a conceptual framework which distinguishes between the moral, strategic and practicaldimensions of stakeholder engagement. Results Stakeholder engagement was essential but complex in practice. Although we had significant prior engagement experience and relationships at the hospitals and the counties, introducing new staff into NBUs triggered complexities that required careful consultation along the bureaucracies at the counties. Despite the counties having similar hierarchical architectures, engagement processes varied and achieved different outcomes across counties. There were also multiple officeholder transitions over the research period, occasioned by factors in our external environment, often necessitating engaging afresh. Conclusion Even with a carefully developed stakeholder engagement plan, an experienced team, and a landscape backed by long-term embeddedness, health research stakeholder engagement can unfold in unexpected ways and requires continuous effort, resources, and adaptability. Meeting the moral, strategic, and practical potential of engagement requires flexibility, responsiveness, and commitment, including adequate resources.

Global public goods, fiscal policy coordination, and welfare in the world economy

A two-region endogenous growth model of the world economy with local and global public goods is used to study strategic interactions between national policymakers. Distortionary taxes are used to finance infrastructure investment at home and generate resources for vaccine production by a global fund. While the global public good is nonexcludable, it is partially rival. Optimal tax rates under cooperation and noncooperation are solved for analytically, under both financial autarky and openness, and numerical experiments are performed to evaluate the welfare gain from cooperation. Whether optimal levies are higher or lower under cooperation, and the magnitude of welfare gains, depend on the degree of integration of capital markets, the existence of a direct trade-off between expenditure components, and the nature of the tax base. When the health levy takes the form of a capital or wealth tax, cooperation is welfare-improving under both autarky and financial openness, but enforcement and collection costs may narrow the scope of taxation under all policy regimes.

Predicting the intention to install solar photovoltaic panels in emerging market: The role of consumer innovativeness, knowledge, and support for government incentives

Promoting the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at the residential level in Vietnam may effectively mitigate the electricity overload on the national grid and support the country’s sustainable objectives. However, the installation rates of this system in urban areas in Vietnam remains low despite the favorable atmosphere and the provision of several incentives. Based on the Diffusion of Innovation and Theory of Planned Behavior, this study explores the role of consumer innovativeness, knowledge, and support for government incentives on the diffusion and social acceptance of solar photovoltaic panels. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect data for analysis. With a sample of 339 citizens in Vietnam, the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach was employed to evaluate the results. The findings revealed that consumer innovativeness was linked to social norms and knowledge. Furthermore, it was discovered that the knowledge of consumers can significantly enhance the support for government incentives and the intention to install solar photovoltaic panels. Additionally, social norms significantly influenced attitudes, ultimately resulting in an increase in the intention to install. The findings of this study could aid the nation's policymakers and institutions in formulating strategies to grow the solar energy sector, therefore facilitating the achievement of sustainable energy goals.

COVID-19 policies and tuberculosis services in private health sectors of India, Indonesia, and Nigeria

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges in the field of global health. Nigeria, Indonesia and India are three high tuberculosis (TB) burden countries with large private health sectors. Both TB and the private health sector faced challenges in these countries because of COVID-19. This study aimed to compare the COVID-19 control measures and policies in the provision of TB care services and gain insights from policymakers on how the pandemic affected the provision of TB services in the private healthcare sector, how each country adapted, and identify lessons learned for health system preparedness MethodsQualitative, in-depth interviews were conducted among a purposive sample of 11 national and sub-national policymakers in each country. Thematic content analysis was conducted on the data collected using an adapted WHO Health Equity Policy Framework. ResultsResults revealed three policy dimensions under costs, access, and quality. Under healthcare costs, policymakers highlighted resource allocation and diversion of TB resources to COVID response, and increased operational costs for private provider. Under healthcare access, key themes included key themes included reduced TB case detection due to fear of COVID-19, disrupted diagnostic services, and adaptations such as extended medicine supplies and virtual consultations. Under healthcare quality, themes included compromised TB diagnostic accuracy due to similar respiratory symptoms with COVID-19, and strain on laboratory infrastructure due to competing demands from both diseases. Policymakers across the three countries pointed to the need for strengthening private–public partnerships (PPP) for healthcare service delivery and continued private sector investment to facilitate the continuity of TB care within a pandemic context. ConclusionThe results of this study provide an overview of the impact of the pandemic from the perspective of private facilities and policymakers in Nigeria, Indonesia and India, which can inform future policy and ways forward in strengthening PPP for healthcare service delivery in high TB burden countries.

The corporate cultivation of digital resignation in policymaking: How weak US regulations enable data trafficking to China

Studies of digital resignation focus on the idea of the corporate cultivation of digital resignation among users, an area of intense importance when examining user data sharing with corporations. To best appreciate the implications of digital resignation in a transnational context, it is important to consider not just resignation by users, but by policymakers. Weak digital policymaking in the US context enables continued digital resignation by users. It also allows for data trafficking, or government directed movement of user data across borders without clear user consent. This paper compares digital policymaking using three cases of national, regional, and sector-based digital policymaking. The commentary argues that while US policymakers often cast concerns on Chinese influence in the US, such arguments obscure the systematic resignation of US policymakers to a weak and ineffectual domestic digital oversight system. Examining digital resignation through a national government lens enables a more complete view of the transnational implications of this important concept.

The Nature of Gender Mainstreaming Policies in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya

This study examines the implementation of gender mainstreaming policies at various levels of public administration in Nakuru and Narok Counties, Kenya. It explores the integration of global conceptions, national policymaking, local self-governance, and feminist ideology in achieving gender equality. The research addresses the debate on the capacity of local versus national governments to implement gender equality initiatives. Feminist Theory guided this research. Using a comparative evaluative study design, the study investigates why these policies have not effectively increased women’s political participation. The target population comprised of elected leaders, civil society and the general public of Nakuru and Narok Counties. Stratified random sampling was employed to derive a sample of 335 respondents comprising of 92 elected leaders, 22 civil society members and 221 members of the general public. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, involving key informants and community members. Quantitative data was analyzed through descriptive statistics while qualitative data from interviews and focus group discussions was analyzed through content analysis. Findings revealed that there was no good familiarity with gender mainstreaming by 135(40.3%). Most of those unfamiliar with gender mainstreaming were from Narok, 68 (50.7%) followed by Nakuru 67(33.3%). Similarly, research showed that a significant portion of respondents in both counties agreed to their awareness of equality and equity, with 32.8% (66) in Nakuru and 28.4% (38) in Narok. This suggests that many people in both Counties recognize the importance of these concepts. The study concludes that the government has significantly shaped these policies, which have advanced gender equality in various ways. However, challenges remain, requiring a comprehensive approach that includes legal reforms, cultural shifts, and targeted support programs. The research recommended that promoting gender-friendly political cultures, challenging patriarchal norms, and providing support and training are essential for empowering women to take on leadership roles and contribute to the political process. This holistic approach is crucial for achieving gender parity in politics and ensuring women’s voices are heard in decision-making.

In-Between Policy Vision and Practical Realities of Primary Healthcare: A Case Study in Rural Northern Sweden.

In the context of a broader vision for primary healthcare (PHC) informed health systems, Sweden is following international trends by introducing the national "Good Quality and Local Health Care" reform. This reform seeks to establish a health system with primary care (PC) at the centre by emphasising aspects such as interorganisational collaboration and e-Health innovation. Since translating policy into practice may be challenging in rural areas due to resource constrains and normatively urban perspectives in national policy-making, this study explores how rural PC actors navigate the PHC vision in the context of a sparsely populated area of the Swedish north. This was a single case study, focusing on a rural municipality in northern Sweden. Thematic analysis was applied to data collected through interviews and observations, resulting in the development of three themes. The results indicate that the policies were suboptimally aligned with the needs of the rural municipality. The results highlighted enduring collaborations that predated the reform. These local alliances led to a resource allocation challenge, rendering the existing networks and reform efforts concurrently understaffed. Moreover, the reform's efforts to digitise healthcare faced impediments due to challenges associated with scaling up e-Health technology. Although key reform concepts such as person-centeredness and integrated care had already been put into practice, they were insufficiently acknowledged as such by external stakeholders. Subjecting national health policy-making to scrutiny by different stakeholders through the use of rural proofing can lead to a more deliberate and impactful implementation of policies. Rural proofing facilitates the pre-emptive identification of potential shortcomings, thereby enabling the formulation of necessary adjustments that resonate with local needs. This study shows apparent misalignments between the national vision and the practical reality in rural areas, therefore calling for greater efforts to include rural perspectives in national policy-making.

Dismantling labour markets from above: the case of wage policy in the European Union

Abstract Are countries reforming their labour market constrained by external political or financial institutions? This article analyses the supranational pressures impacting wage policy in European member states. Theoretically, it takes inspiration from the literature on international financial markets to analyse the key phases of a nascent multi-level policy cycle, where the European Commission plays a pivotal role. Empirically, it distinguishes between wage policy prescriptions (CSR database, 2011–2019, complemented with EUR-Lex) and reform events (LabRef database, 2008–2019) granting more or less protection to workers. Methodologically, it employs mixed regression models with country and year random intercepts finding out that: (a) the Commission, when recommending wage policy, unambiguously prefers reforms reducing workers’ protection, thus displaying preferences aligned with those of international financial institutions; (b) through external conditionality, the pressures stemming from such biased approach exert a tangible impact on national policymaking, ultimately resulting in weakened labour market institutions and reduced well-being of workers.

Diversity-responsive teacher educators in Flanders

ABSTRACT Higher education-based teacher educators are a unique group of practitioners: not only what they teach, but also how they teach is of instructional significance to students who want to become teachers themselves. Nonetheless, they are often overlooked in the research on inclusion, equity and social justice in education. This explorative study expands the knowledge base on teacher educators’ contribution to education that genuinely serves all students, here referred to as diversity-responsive education. Specifically, semi-structured interviews (n = 14) were conducted to pursue three objectives: (1) understanding perceptions of the concepts of diversity and approaching diversity; (2) mapping individual teacher educators’ practices to approach diversity; and (3) uncovering personal and contextual determinants for the implementation of diversity-responsive practices by teacher educators. Alongside its theoretical contribution, this study offers practical inspiration for practitioners, and both national and institutional policymakers operating in different regional contexts, guiding context-tailored professional development initiatives.

How has the external quality assessment/proficiency testing of semen analysis been developed in the past 34 years: a review.

Male infertility has become an important issue of global concern. Semen analysis is the cornerstone of male fertility assessment. External quality assessment (EQA) of sperm concentration, motility, and morphology is widely recognized in the world. However, over the past 34 years, the implementation of EQA for semen analysis has varied across different countries, and there is no global consensus. The goal of this paper is to first explore the overall development of EQA during this period. Secondly, it aims to discuss the extent of difference of participating laboratories in different countries. Finally, the paper examines the differences in EQA programs developed by various EQA providers in order to seek a global standard. In total, 29 papers met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. There is inconsistent in the implementation of EQA across different countries, and there is no global consensus. Policies for EQA of semen analysis vary from country to country. Some countries mandate laboratory participation, while others permit voluntary involvement. Different EQA organizers choose different ways to calculate assigned value and acceptance limits. The coefficient of variation (CV) for each EQA item was large. The CVs of concentration, motility, morphology, and viability were 12.7-138.0 %, 17.0-127.0 %, 7-375 %, and 6-41.1 %, respectively. The results of the semen analysis varied considerably among the participating laboratories. The collaborative efforts of national policymakers, EQA organizers, and all participating laboratories are essential to improving the current situation.

Instrument constituencies and the brokering of OECD-knowledge in Nordic school reforms - a three country comparison

ABSTRACT Major international surveys and reports have considerably altered the expectations and outlooks of national policymakers in education over the last three decades. Through a comparative content analysis of bibliographies in policy documents, this article explores the intermediary bodies that facilitate salient interconnections between international organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and national policymakers and experts who prepare comprehensive school reforms in three Nordic countries: Denmark, Norway and Sweden. This article builds on a large Nordic research project that studied the transfer and translation of international policies in a Nordic reform context. It extends the study by examining the role of publishers as intermediary policy brokers that legitimize the usage of OECD knowledge as significant members of instrument constituencies. This study enhances our understanding of the variations in citation patterns across policy documents from three Nordic countries. It also investigates the extent to which differences in instrumental constituencies arise from institutional arrangements and the ideational foundations underpinning reform trajectories. Additionally, it examines the topics addressed by these reforms and the governments’ affiliations with new policy brokers supported by both public and private publishers.

NHS action on social and economic development in England: Vague national policy expectations

Under recent reforms to the National Health Service (NHS) in England, NHS organizations have been given new objectives to contribute to social and economic development. Health systems in other high-income countries are pursuing related approaches. This paper analyses national policy documents to understand the framing of the NHS's new policy priorities on social and economic development. We focus on the role of NHS integrated care systems—area-based planning bodies responsible for managing NHS resources and coordinating local services. National policy is vague about what social and economic development means in practice. There is limited guidance on which approaches local organizations should prioritize, and which organisations are responsible for implementation. Greater clarity from national policymakers and an overarching framework to guide local action is needed to reduce the risk of inaction, poorly targeted interventions, and missed opportunities for learning and evaluation. Policymakers and health system leaders also need to be realistic about the limits of local action given the importance of national public policy choices in shaping the social determinants of health. Coordinated policy action and investment across government is needed to address underlying social and economic conditions.

The Factors Influencing Consumer Behaviour in the Purchase of Green Products in Windhoek, Khomas Region of Namibia

It is a global concern that environmental sustainability is in danger. Climate conditions in most parts of the world cannot sustain agriculture and livestock, while water and energy shortages remains a huge challenge. While enjoying products and services offered in the market, consumers should protect their environment and maintain a healthy life style by purchasing green products which are environmental friendly. Prospective green consumer’s expression of interest in green products is not converted into actual purchase. The objective of this study is to examine the factors that influence consumer behavior in the purchase of green products. The study adopted mixed methods and a sample of 120 respondents was considered. SPSS was used for analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Statistical significant association was found between the purchases of green products with the eight main predictors which are; Environmental attitudes, perceived effectiveness of environmental problems, perceived environmental responsibility, green products labelling, green product features, green product certification, environmental benefits of green products, governments concern about the environment. The study found a negative association between purchase of green products and consumers knowledge about environmental benefits. By gathering this information, marketers would be able to understand the factors which influence consumers in the purchase of green products. They would also be able to formulate various strategies to effectively attract more green consumers to purchase green products as part solution for environmental protection. The legislators, national policy makers and environmental activists could utilize this information to promote a positive green consumerism.

Prevalence and Determinants of Scabies Among Schoolchildren in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

In deprived and poor communities worldwide, scabies remains an overlooked tropical disease. Numerous individual studies have been conducted in Ethiopia on this issue, demonstrating notable disparities and inconclusive findings. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to establish Ethiopia's pooled scabies prevalence and determinants among schoolchildren. Studies were retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, and African Journals Online through a systematic search. The Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool was employed to assess the quality of observational studies (cross-sectional and case-control). The meta-analysis was performed using Stata software version 14 and its metan command. A forest plot was used with a random effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were employed to evaluate potential sources of heterogeneity. The funnel plot and Egger's test were used to evaluate publication bias, while heterogeneity was assessed using inverse variance (I 2). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, 14.71% (733/5104) of schoolchildren had scabies, with a 95% CI of 8.90%-20.52%. The highest prevalence is recorded in the Amhara region (17.09%; 95% CI: 2.15-32.04), and the lower prevalence is seen in the Oromia region (12.52%; 95% CI: 10.08-14.95). Children sharing clothes with scabies cases, using common sleeping beds/fomites, having a family history of scabies, and having illiterate parents are significantly associated with scabies among Ethiopian schoolchildren (based on adjusted odds ratios: 7.07; 95% CI: 1.55-12.59, 2.13; 95% CI: 0.04-4.22, 1.45; 95% CI: 0.35-3.94, 1.42; 95% CI: 0.94-0.89). The current prevalence of scabies ranges from 12.52% to 17.09% and is higher in the Amhara region. The national policymakers and health planners should prioritize implementing prevention and control measures of scabies among schoolchildren through ivermectin-based mass drug administration for three to five rounds annually until the prevalence is less than 2%.

Adult learning within reach: the WEA as a social justice charity

The Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) has supported adult learning for over 120 years. Participating in adult learning brings a range of benefits for individuals and communities. These go much wider than solely education benefits and include better health, increased participation in community activities, and increased confidence and critical thinking, but are not always recognised and rewarded within the funding system. If organisations such as the WEA were better recognised as charities with a social justice mission then their impact could be greater still. National and regional policymakers are encouraged to recognise adult learning as a more integral part of strategies tackling inequality and building stronger communities.

9.X.1. Protecting the mental health of healthcare workers: evidence, policy and implementation challenges

Abstract Background There is growing evidence that highlights increasing stress levels and declining mental health among the global healthcare workforce, exacerbated by challenges within workplace environments, labour market and policy frameworks. These conditions place additional strain on an already vulnerable healthcare workforce and consequently threaten the stability of health systems as a whole, given the escalating challenges in retaining, recruiting and reactivating healthcare workers. Although the problems are evident, awareness is increasing and international organisations such as the WHO have advanced policy recommendations, comprehensive and context-specific interventions effectively addressing these problems at varying levels are missing. Objectives This innovative workshop offers a platform for bridging the gap between research evidence and policy interventions, stimulating policy learning and knowledge exchange across countries. The session provides an overview of existing knowledge and engages representatives of academia as well as national policymaking, and international organisations to critically discuss challenges as well as good practice experiences with a focus on implementation and problem-solving. The following major questions will be explored: What evidence is available regarding the mental health and wellbeing needs of the healthcare workforce? How are different countries responding to these needs and supporting healthcare workers more effectively? What are some best practice cases focusing on improving mental health support for healthcare workers across various groups, considering diverse needs, gender-inclusiveness, and minority groups? Finally, how can evidence-based policymaking be improved, and how can the implementation of these policies be advanced in a more effective manner? Thesession will encourage critical debate and identify major policy recommendations, focusing on governance and implementation strategies. In the second half of the session, the panel will engage the audience in an interactive discussion to explore novel solutions that prioritise the wellbeing of healthcare workers and effectively address the healthcare workforce crisis in a more person-centred and ‘humanised’ manner. The workshop supports cross-country learning and networking opportunities. Key messages • Mental health and wellbeing of the healthcare workforce is crucial for health system resilience and needs stronger advocacy for coordinated multi-level governance action. • Establish a health system and governance approach together with comprehensive monitoring and qualitative comparative workforce studies to identify transformational policies in contextual settings.

An Irish public health policy research team: impact and lessons learned, one year on

Abstract Issue In 2023, in Ireland, a public health policy research team was established in the Health Information and Quality Authority to conduct evidence syntheses and provide evidence-based advice to inform national decision-making, at the request of the Department of Health. One year on, we reflect on the impact of this team and outline lessons learned. These findings may support other countries in creating and developing public health policy research teams. Description of the problem We aim to answer the following questions: What impact can a public health policy research team have and what are the lessons learned, one year on? Projects completed by the team in 2023 were reviewed for stakeholder engagement (such as expert and public and patient involvement) and impact (feedback from policymakers, resulting public health actions or policies and online report downloads). Results Seven public health projects were completed in 2023, in areas including: Long COVID, public health reform, rapid multiplex testing, and medical countermeasure stockpiling. National and international stakeholders were engaged with via expert advisory group membership, document review and project presentations. Patient representatives were included from Long COVID Advocacy Ireland and Rare Diseases Ireland. Project reports were downloaded a total of 281 times. Positive feedback was received from all stakeholders. Project findings were presented to policymakers to inform national public health and rare disease strategy development, and the Long COVID model of care in Ireland. Lessons Early and ongoing stakeholder engagement is key when translating research to practice, via policy. Innovative methods of engagement, including public and patient involvement, can ensure meaningful collaboration. Adapting methodologies to meet stakeholder needs, such as rapid evidence synthesis, enhances impact. Lastly, research impact on policy takes time, and an understanding of national policy development is required. Key messages • A public health policy research team provides impactful evidence synthesis to advise national policymakers. • Stakeholder engagement is key to developing impactful policy advice.