Disclaimer:The information presented in this blog post is based on the speakers and writer’s views and opinions expressed at the research conference. It does not necessarily reflect the official positions or endorsements of any individuals, institutions, or organizations represented at the event. Additionally, some potentially sensitive information, such as specific figures or data points, has been omitted from this account due to limited consent for public dissemination.

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges we face is how to take the vast knowledge contained in millions of academic papers and use it to solve real-world problems. There is still a significant gap between the worlds of academia and policymaking when it comes to leveraging research to develop evidence-based policies.

However, an innovative conference that took place on March 11th, 2024 in Kigali, Rwanda aimed to help bridge this gap. The symposium organized by the Yale Economic Growth Center, Yale Inclusion Economics, and International Growth Center. It was titled “Collaboration through Research Pathways to Evidence-Based Policy in Rwanda”, it brought together high-level government officials, renowned academics, and other key stakeholders to explore how academic research can better inform policymaking.

What made this conference particularly remarkable was the impressive number of attendees from both the public and private sectors. It’s rare to find ministers, CEOs, and other high-ranking leaders in the same room discussing research. Yet, at this event, personalities such as the Minister of Trade and Industry, Minister of Infrastructure, CEO of the Development Bank of Rwanda (BRD), CEO of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), and CEO of the Rwanda Green Fund all gathered to participate.

Furthermore, other esteemed guests from the realm of research and academia, including Dr. Richard Newfarmer, the director of the International Growth Centre (IGC) in Rwanda and Uganda, and Dr. Peter Salovey, the president of the world-renowned Yale University were present.

Research Can be a Key to Policymaking

The conference was officially opened by Minister Prof. Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze, who emphasized the importance of evidence-based decision-making, stating, “Taking decisions without evidence is risky, which means that research is the backbone of decision-making.” He proudly declared himself a “product of research.”

Dr. Salovey echoed these sentiments, sharing that one of his key ambitions as president of Yale was to strengthen the university’s partnerships with Africa through various programs. He viewed this conference as a prime example of such partnerships aimed at driving development.

Academia is Still Relevant in Policymaking

Two insightful research presentations took center stage, showcasing how academia can directly inform policy decisions with evidence-based findings.

The first was delivered by Associate Professor Lauren Bergquist, who reminded the audience that evidence-based policymaking must ask the critical question, “What works?” She commended Rwanda’s commitment to this approach and proceeded to share her research on the Export Growth Fund (EGF) policy implemented by the BRD.

Bergquist’s study found that while exports can significantly boost a country’s development, financial constraints often limit firms’ ability to engage in exporting activities. The EGF was designed to address this issue, and the results were remarkable. The fund showed strong potential for increasing firms’ revenues, employment, and tax revenues. Based on these findings, the research recommended expanding awareness and uptake of the EGF, particularly among smaller firms.

Bergquist also highlighted various other areas ripe for research-to-policy collaborations, such as supplier development, tax incentives, trade promotion, and the advancement of green growth initiatives. However, she emphasized that certain key elements are necessary for successful knowledge transfer, including policymaker openness, dedicated academic support for graduate students, demand-driven research, engagement throughout the research process, and iterative, phased collaborations.

The discussant for this presentation, Antoine Kajangwe, reinforced Bergquist’s points, stating memorably, “Going into negotiation without research and evidence is like going blacked [out].”

The second presentation was delivered by Associate Professor Kevin Donovan, who shared the results of his research on infrastructure development in Rwanda, specifically focusing on trail bridges. His work looked into the challenge that many Rwandans living far from all-weather roads, which constrains their access to markets. Donovan’s findings showed that investing in trail bridges yielded a positive return on investment when comparing the infrastructure costs to the resulting benefits, such as increased market access and reduced post-harvest losses.

Alex McNeill, the discussant for Donovan’s presentation, highlighted the success story of trail bridges in connecting rural communities to markets and expressed excitement about forthcoming infrastructure projects.

Discussion: Policymaking and Research Prospects

A highlight of the conference was a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Richard Newfarmer and featuring Kampeta Sayinzoga (CEO, BRD), Minister Prof. Ngabitsinze (Ministry of MINICOM), and Minister Dr. Jimmy Gasore (Minister of MININFRA). The panel focused on strategies for better utilizing academic research in policymaking.

Minister Dr. Gasore urged researchers to delve deeply into problems that require solutions, ensuring their approaches are relevant and useful in real-world circumstances. He also stressed the importance of considering all stakeholders and avoiding narrow perspectives. One insightful point he made was the need to synchronize the language used in academic research and policymaking to facilitate better communication and implementation of recommendations.

BRD CEO Sayinzoga echoed the importance of aligning research questions with policy objectives, suggesting that researchers provide two versions of their findings: one academic version and one tailored as policy notes. She also highlighted the need to harmonize research timelines with policy needs, as some problems require immediate interventions.

Minister Ngabitsinze offered a fresh perspective, encouraging policymakers to be more open to academic “theory” to better understand practical applications.

In concluding the panel discussion, each participant was asked to identify areas of interest for future policy research. Minister Ngabitsinze emphasized climate change, while CEO Sayinzoga expressed the institution’s interest in understanding how the BRD’s investment activities create permanent employment opportunities. Minister Gasore highlighted the need for data-driven research to inform policies (He gave examples like researches aimed at reducing congestion in urban area).

As this conference demonstrated, bridging the gap between academia and policymaking is crucial for developing evidence-based solutions to real-world challenges. By fostering collaboration and open dialogue among researchers, government officials, and other stakeholders, we can unlock the vast potential of academic research to drive positive change and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways

As the title says, even though matching research (especially academic) and policymaking seem to be like 2 kings from different realms who have been into conflicts for so long, this time peacemaking between them is possible. Hence this research conference informed the following key points (1) Policymakers must be receptive to research findings. (2) Academics must tailor their researches to be more communicative and policy-relevant, and (3) All parties must commit to ongoing engagement, collaboration, and demand-driven research agendas. Only through such collective efforts can we truly harness the power of knowledge.