Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making
IntroductionThis systematic review synthesizes empirical research on the integration of scientific evidence into public policy formulation across diverse governance contexts. While global support for evidence-informed policymaking is increasing, persistent institutional barriers, political resistanc...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Communication |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2025.1632305/full |
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| author | Iván Claudio Suazo-Galdames Mahia Saracostti Alain Manuel Chaple-Gil |
| author_facet | Iván Claudio Suazo-Galdames Mahia Saracostti Alain Manuel Chaple-Gil |
| author_sort | Iván Claudio Suazo-Galdames |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | IntroductionThis systematic review synthesizes empirical research on the integration of scientific evidence into public policy formulation across diverse governance contexts. While global support for evidence-informed policymaking is increasing, persistent institutional barriers, political resistance, and limited science-policy interaction continue to constrain the effective use of research in decision-making.MethodsGuided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, the review identified 119 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included empirical analyses on the mobilization, translation, and institutionalization of scientific knowledge in policy processes. A thematic synthesis was conducted, classifying studies into six categories: science-policy participation, institutional capacity, political dynamics, trust and legitimacy, political support, and international collaboration.ResultsMajor barriers included fragmented advisory systems, limited data infrastructures, and weak communication between researchers and policymakers. Key enabling factors comprised dedicated scientific advisory bodies, knowledge brokerage mechanisms, international cooperation, and co-production of knowledge. Most studies focused on the health policy sector, with a geographic concentration in high-income countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.DiscussionFindings highlight the urgent need to institutionalize scientific evidence in policy formulation through formal governance frameworks, sustained stakeholder engagement, and robust science-policy interfaces. Advancing transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based governance will require cross-sector collaboration, epistemic trust, and political leadership committed to bridging the gap between research and public policy. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-5bfc764c74374398819824f811037113 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2297-900X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Communication |
| spelling | doaj-art-5bfc764c74374398819824f8110371132025-08-20T03:56:09ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Communication2297-900X2025-07-011010.3389/fcomm.2025.16323051632305Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-makingIván Claudio Suazo-Galdames0Mahia Saracostti1Alain Manuel Chaple-Gil2UNESCO Chair Scientific Education for Citizenship, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, ChileDepartamento de Trabajo Social, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, ChileFacultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, ChileIntroductionThis systematic review synthesizes empirical research on the integration of scientific evidence into public policy formulation across diverse governance contexts. While global support for evidence-informed policymaking is increasing, persistent institutional barriers, political resistance, and limited science-policy interaction continue to constrain the effective use of research in decision-making.MethodsGuided by the PRISMA 2020 framework, the review identified 119 peer-reviewed articles from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Eligible studies included empirical analyses on the mobilization, translation, and institutionalization of scientific knowledge in policy processes. A thematic synthesis was conducted, classifying studies into six categories: science-policy participation, institutional capacity, political dynamics, trust and legitimacy, political support, and international collaboration.ResultsMajor barriers included fragmented advisory systems, limited data infrastructures, and weak communication between researchers and policymakers. Key enabling factors comprised dedicated scientific advisory bodies, knowledge brokerage mechanisms, international cooperation, and co-production of knowledge. Most studies focused on the health policy sector, with a geographic concentration in high-income countries such as the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.DiscussionFindings highlight the urgent need to institutionalize scientific evidence in policy formulation through formal governance frameworks, sustained stakeholder engagement, and robust science-policy interfaces. Advancing transparent, inclusive, and evidence-based governance will require cross-sector collaboration, epistemic trust, and political leadership committed to bridging the gap between research and public policy.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2025.1632305/fullevidence-informed policymakingscientific knowledge transferpolicy formulationinstitutional barriersknowledge brokeragepublic governance |
| spellingShingle | Iván Claudio Suazo-Galdames Mahia Saracostti Alain Manuel Chaple-Gil Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making Frontiers in Communication evidence-informed policymaking scientific knowledge transfer policy formulation institutional barriers knowledge brokerage public governance |
| title | Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making |
| title_full | Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making |
| title_fullStr | Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making |
| title_full_unstemmed | Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making |
| title_short | Scientific evidence and public policy: a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence-informed decision-making |
| title_sort | scientific evidence and public policy a systematic review of barriers and enablers for evidence informed decision making |
| topic | evidence-informed policymaking scientific knowledge transfer policy formulation institutional barriers knowledge brokerage public governance |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fcomm.2025.1632305/full |
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