How Can We Mitigate the Challenges?

The elements that support and facilitate using research in management are not simply the opposite of the components that are considered challenges.  Lopez-Rodriguez et al. (2017) remind us that this is a challenge that is long-standing as they state “Understanding how to improve decision makers’ use of scientific information across their different scales of management is a core challenge for narrowing the gap between science and conservation practice” (p. 1022).  They go on to say that despite an interest in addressing the challenges related to incorporating research into decisions, “scientific knowledge remains underutilized in supporting conservation actions” (p. 1023).  However, there is hope for improving the situation.

The challenges that were identified earlier fell into two categories of personal and organizational challenges.  We will look at those challenges through the lens of what can be done at an individual level, and what the organization or agency could do to increase the practice of applying research evidence to management.

There are some basic blocks which support a culture of incorporating research, data, or facts into planning and managing.  While these building blocks do not guarantee that research will automatically be considered, they are steps to increase its use.

Other facilitators could be:

• Better relationships, communication channels, platforms, and collaboration between researchers, decision- and policy- makers (including trans-disciplines)
• Encourage researchers to publish in more accessible journals and make their research more accessible to decision-makers.