Praxis Policy Dialogue

Praxis  Policy Dialogue is a format for policy brokerage. It provides a forum for discussing acute policy issues, based on fresh research findings and policy recommendations.

The aim of Policy Dialogue series is to disseminate the results of policy analysis in an interactive way, to collect immediate feedback and test reactions of those in key positions for implementing change.

The Policy Dialogue event is organized in time with the publication of the most recent research material, usually a policy brief on a specific issue.  The research may be commissioned either by a public body or a non-governmental organization – either way, Praxis makes it clear that the research findings are meant for the public.

The target group is a mix: participants are by invitation only,  the participant list is hand-picked  from among decision makers - politicians and senior level government advisers; experts and researchers, non-governmental advocacy  organizations. Journalists are selected from editorial positions, as the aim is usually not to get the news out, but rather share information, describing the background of an issue in an analytical manner and present current views on the policy.

The event format combines presentations with  short Q & A   option and  moderated round-table discussion.  The event  lasts for approximately 3 hours and takes place in the morning of a weekday. The timing has given the format its name in Estonian – Morning of Thoughts.

Usually there are 2-3 presentations of 20 to 40 minutes each.  Presenters are selected to give variety of angles on the topic in question. Usually one speaker is a member of the research team who gives a gist of main findings and recommendations.

Another speaker  may focus on some specific issue that is controversial in nature, or deserves specific attention by policy-makers. The presenters are asked to formulate questions with a view of provoking further discussion.

The round-table discussion may be held in one or two phases, each phase focusing on a specific  question.  Tables are compiled to ensure variety of views,  Moderator explains the aim for problem-solving round the table and outlines the expected results of conversation – e.g. a list of ideas or proposals for implementing the policy recommendations. The moderator facilitates discussion by asking each table to present their results for the general audience and mediates comments and questions.

The main points from discussion are  recorded and published on the website, together with presentation slides.  Usually one of the speakers or a team member of relevant research writes a blog post on the topics discussed.

The blog format is a good way to engage wider audience in the policy discussion. With links to full text of policy analysis, information and impressions from the Policy Dialogue event, occasionally a video of the event, anyone can stay in touch with the latest facts and arguments on the policy issue.

Results:

29th of April 2009 "How to develop familiy subsidies?" 

16th of September 2009  "How to improve local public services?" 

18th of November 2009 "Victories of the past and possibilities of the future for Estonia´s patients." 

9th of December 2009 "Estonian higher education policy: bold or accidental?"

13th of April 2010 "Estonian tax policy: who´s burden is the heaviest?"

12th of May 2010 "How to accelerate Estonian healthcare into information age?".

Authors: Praxis.