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Table 2 Consolidated list of areas for alignment

From: Research for Policy (R4P): development of a reflection tool for researchers to improve knowledge utilization

Area for alignment

Topics

Goal

The formulation of the knowledge question; exploration of its origin, the “question behind the question,” and the underlying need for the knowledge products

Tasks and authority

The input of all involved actors (both researchers and policymakers); their responsibilities, knowledge and data exchange by actors during the process, and the final authority over the knowledge products

Quality

The research method; conceptual framework and data used in the research project

Consultative structure

The consultative structure of the project; the sharing of relevant information and the relationships between actors; double-role actors

Vertical alignment

Interaction within the organization conducting research and within the commissioning organization; interaction between hierarchical levels and the embedding of the project in the organizations

Organizational environment

The environment of the research project; awareness of relevant conditions external to the research project influencing the relationship between investigators and linked actors; incidents, media events, relationships with other organizations, changing priorities, and changing actors

Relevance and timing

The formulation and wording of the research results and timing of the delivery and presentation of the knowledge products

Presentation

The design and structure of knowledge products and the tools for the extension strategy