Increasing the use of research in Swedish development policy and practice

This study examines the barriers that impede the integration of research into policymaking and practices related to the pursuit of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It also makes a series of recommendations about how to increase the use of research in policymaking in Sweden for the benefit of both research and policymaking efforts.

The findings are based on a survey and focus-group discussions with numerous policymakers and practitioners working in Sweden on development cooperation within the global 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The study was initiated by the Swedish Development Research Network (SweDev), which aims to connect development researchers across Sweden to strengthen collaboration within the research community, and to increase interaction between development researchers and practitioners. SweDev seeks to support the use of research-based knowledge for efficient policymaking and practice among Swedish actors working for the 2030 Agenda. SweDev is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and led by a steering committee consisting of representatives from Swedish academic institutions.

The findings of the study are intended to inform SweDev’s future activities and work to help Sweden gain traction on its international development cooperation agenda.