Why tools are as important as results and what to do about it

Abstract

Addressing complex problems requires concepts, methods, processes and other tools that are still evolving and not yet firmly embedded in research practice. A new discipline—Integration and Implementation Sciences (i2S)—provides a framework to connect existing fields of scholarship, as well as the efforts of individual research teams, to support better application of these tools. World Water Policy Journal could provide an outlet for publishing the detailed concepts, methods and other tools that its researchers develop and use. Integration and Implementation Insights (i2Insights) blog and repository could further disseminate those tools. This would have benefits for building researcher expertise and advancing the effectiveness of tackling water policy and practice challenges.