This chapter provides an overview of the evolution of evidence-informed policy and practice discourse. It starts with a brief discussion of the key concepts: research, evidence and knowledge. The chapter then presents the conceptual evolution of the field, developments in efforts to reinforce research use in policy and practice as well as some questions and challenges related to research production. Building on contemporary conceptualisations, some conceptual considerations and a number of questions are raised regarding current barriers to increasing research dynamics. To address some of these questions the OECD conducted a policy survey in 2021. The chapter describes this survey and presents the purpose and structure of the volume.

This chapter provides an overview of some dominant models of knowledge mobilisation. First, it compares and contrasts these models using the three approaches of thinking described by Best and Holmes: Linear, relationship and systems. Second, the chapter highlights some additional, more recent models that focus on a specific aspect of research dynamics. The last section builds on these models and presents recommendations to capture the research dynamics at play within the complex interactions of education research, policy and practice. These recommendations may inform the development of a future model which could ultimately enhance student and professional learning.

Despite impressive advances in evidence-informed policy and practice, many of the same challenges remain. New challenges have also arisen, including a disdain for “experts” and a worry that science is being deliberately devalued. The chapter highlights three key changes in the debate. It looks at the evolution of education brokerage agencies and their diverse goals, audiences and methodologies. It highlights the importance of evaluating their effectiveness and impact and learning from other sectors. It ends with a call to go one step further: Just as research synthesis has moved beyond individual papers to systematic reviews of reviews, so too do the structures and processes of brokerage need to work together across institutions and systems. Only by doing so will we be able to establish a cumulative knowledge base that is quasi-universally acknowledged as well founded.