This chapter describes which actors are active in facilitating the use of research evidence in the education sector at the organisational and individual levels. It develops key dimensions for assessing interactions between ministries of education and relevant actors in order to advance discussion on strengthening the use of research evidence. It also analyses practitioner involvement in research production and the provision of incentives. Finally, the chapter looks at the nature of policy makers’ relationships. The discussion is based on a review of the available literature and analysis of the OECD’s Strengthening the Impact of Education Research policy survey results.

This chapter presents the results of the OECD Strengthening the Impact of Education Research policy survey with regard to the various mechanisms countries are using to facilitate research use. It presents a framework for classifying factors that influence research use, based on a review of literature. It then describes and contrasts mechanisms and barriers reported by the 37 survey-participating education systems. The chapter concludes by noting the importance of system-level coordination of the various mechanisms and research production.

International learning networks, significant investments in new research, and research synthesis and methodological innovations have led the way in developing work on evidence use in the education sector, particularly at the practice level. However, work on research use can learn from other domains as well. This chapter considers themes across sectors and their implications for education. It is structured in three parts. The first part maps the interactions between research, policy and practice in various sectors. The second draws together the evidence from various initiatives that have had success in facilitating research use. The final part takes these lessons and frames them as five questions, which can help clarify implications for the education sector.

Knowledge brokerage and knowledge mobilisation are generic terms used to describe activities that enable the use of research evidence to inform policy, practice and individual decision making. Knowledge brokerage intermediary (KBI) initiatives facilitate such use of research evidence. Drawing on examples from existing brokerage initiatives, this chapter is structured in five parts. Each part seeks to address areas where KBIs could be more evidence-informed in their work: 1. Needs analysis; 2. Integrating evidence use in wider systems and contexts; 3. Methods and theories of change; 4. Evidence standards; and 5. Evaluation and monitoring. For each area, questions are suggested that explore how the principles are being followed in practice. Recommendations for KBIs, policy makers and funders are provided at the end of the chapter. The chapter is adapted from an open-access paper published in Evidence & Policy.