Policy science interactions: connecting science and policy through innovative knowledge brokering (PSI-CONNECT)

The EU-funded project PSI-CONNECT used a novel approach to enhance collaboration among stakeholders in the field. By employing innovative knowledge brokering instruments, it was able to bring researchers, river basin managers and policymakers in water management and climate change much closer together. Knowledge brokering improves the relationship between the producers and users of knowledge, providing new ways of thinking or delivering information that changes the way a problem is perceived. It can also help generate better research questions, resulting in more effective exploitation of the knowledge base. PSI-CONNECT helped bridge the science–policy gap by introducing exciting ideas for knowledge exchange such as simulation games, group model building, future scenario building and role playing. This helped enhance interaction among stakeholders and encouraged discourse on policy issues, considerably intensifying knowledge exchanges. The process involved several case studies in different European countries that necessitated working closely with various stakeholder groups. In addition, the team compared knowledge brokering instruments and identified strengths and weaknesses, outlining plans to implement these instruments in different countries. Among the project’s achievements was the development of a conceptual framework for science and policy interactions, which highlighted specific science-policy gaps and the reasons behind their existence. PSI-CONNECT produced explanatory booklets for policymakers and scientists as well as an informative website for all stakeholders. These results will help improve water management in the EU and refine policies to achieve this important goal.