A Map of the Interface Between Science & Policy

Abstract

In this brief, I will explore this linkage in its many manifestations - the interface of science and policy - with the goal to deepen the understanding of the challenges we are dealing with, in particular as they relate to scientists working for and with governments. The description of this lay of the land starts with the theoretical concepts (the view from the “stratosphere”) and progressively moves towards practical aspects. It will be composed of (a) a description of the concepts underlying the science/policy interface, (b) the manifestation of the interface with a focus on broad functions within organizations, and (c) a simple classification of the diverse uses of government science and, thus, locations where the science/policy interface may have to be managed. As I move from the theoretical to the practical, I also move from observations that are applicable to any organizational context to those that are most applicable to the situation in the federal government of Canada. I am attempting, however, to provide a map rather than directions at all times - an analytic taxonomy rather than an argument.