Four propositions to narrow the gap between science and policy for climate change adaptation: Insights and evidence from Aotearoa New Zealand

Abstract

The scale and complexity of global challenges and the growing pressure on researchers to demonstrate ‘impact’, has prompted considerable investigation into the relationship between science, policy and decision-making. This is especially evident in the field of climate change adaptation, which is characterised by policy relevance, deep uncertainty, and diverse stakeholders, contributing to a highly complex policy and planning landscape. This paper seeks to contribute to the science to policy interface literature by presenting results from case study analysis in Aotearoa New Zealand. In-depth, semi-structured interviews (n = 23) with policy practitioners and individuals in related roles and organisations, were used to elicit information about barriers and enablers to research uptake and implementation. Thematic analysis yielded four foundational propositions: Strong relationships enable research to inform policy and decision-making; Interpretations of uncertainty hamper policy-making for adaptation; Competing timeframes and priorities hinder research uptake; and Funding priorities affect research uptake and policy outcomes.

Collectively, these propositions highlight the need to strengthen collaboration between researchers and policymakers by building trust, fostering mutual understanding, and establishing feedback loops between individuals in their respective domains, supported by knowledge translators. The findings have international relevance and utility and can inform the design and evaluation of mission-led science that addresses the complex challenge of climate change adaptation, with an emphasis on enhancing transparency and trust between policymakers and researchers.