As policymakers face increasingly complex environmental and societal challenges, the need for timely, relevant and actionable evidence continues to grow. At ERINN Innovation, we believe that impact can be accelerated by taking a deliberate and systematic approach to connecting research with decision-making, one that recognises the realities of policy processes as well as the practical barriers to uptake. Ahead of our upcoming EARMA conference presentation on optimising research to policy impact, this article outlines our approach to Knowledge Transfer and reflects on insights from a contract with Ireland’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Why Research-to-Policy Impact Remains a Challenge
Across Europe and beyond, investment in research is increasing, alongside expectations that this will deliver tangible benefits for society. In practice, the pathway from research to policy is rarely linear. Research outputs are often highly technical and difficult to use outside specialist communities. They can be produced on timelines misaligned with policy cycles or are insufficiently framed around the specific questions policymakers are facing.
Meanwhile, policy environments are shaped by shifting priorities, legislative timelines, external events and capacity constraints. Bridging this gap requires active knowledge brokerage, an understanding of context and a clear view of when and how research can be most useful.
Our Knowledge Transfer Methodology
ERINN Innovation has spent over a decade developing and refining a replicable methodology designed to support the uptake of research across policy, industry and practice. At its core, the approach recognises that impact is a process, not an event.
Our methodology follows a stepwise structure:
- Prioritisation. Needs are mapped to portfolios to identify where there is opportunity and readiness for uptake, ensuring effort is focused where impact is most feasible.
- Collection. Discrete, solutions‑oriented units of knowledge are captured from research projects in a concise format, clarifying what the knowledge can inform and for whom.
- Analysis. The knowledge is reviewed with experts from policy, science and end‑user communities to assess relevance, readiness and define realistic pathways to impact.
- Transfer. Targeted activities are deployed to move knowledge along its pathway (e.g., briefings, tailored materials) with progress tracked to adapt when needed.
This methodology can be applied to individual projects, thematic portfolios, or embedded within organisational processes to support longer‑term impact capability.
Knowledge Transfer at Scale through EPA-IMPACT
The EPA‑IMPACT project (2021–2025) provided a unique opportunity to implement this methodology at scale within Ireland’s environmental research and policy landscape. Commissioned by the EPA, the project aimed to accelerate the uptake of EPA‑funded research into policy and regulatory processes while building internal capacity for sustained Knowledge Transfer.
Over four years, we worked closely with EPA staff, researchers and policy actors to:
- Map over 200 research projects to 53 Irish environmental policies
- Capture 91 actionable Knowledge Outputs from EPA‑funded research
- Engage more than 120 policy and subject‑matter experts in analysis activities
- Develop 35 tailored pathways to impact, supported by targeted communication assets
EPA‑IMPACT placed a strong emphasis on embedding Knowledge Transfer principles within the EPA’s Research Programme. Training was delivered to over 260 researchers and research managers and bespoke resources were developed to support implementation beyond the project lifetime.
Key Learnings from Transferring Research to Policy
These experiences reinforce several principles that are central to effective research‑to‑policy impact:
- Plan early. Understanding policy needs and potential users from the outset increases the likelihood that research will be ready when decisions need to be made.
- Invest in relationships. Trusted connections between researchers, intermediaries and policymakers enable timely engagement and more meaningful exchange.
- Prioritise translation. Knowledge must be framed in ways that make sense to decision‑makers, with a clear articulation of practical relevance.
- Remain flexible. Policy priorities evolve, and effective Knowledge Transfer requires agility alongside robust preparation.
- Track impact deliberately. Progress and outcomes need to be captured, not assumed, to demonstrate value and inform future investment.
Looking Ahead: Embedding Impact in Research Systems
As expectations around research impact continue to grow, there is increasing recognition that Knowledge Transfer should be embedded across the research lifecycle, from programme design to project delivery and beyond.
At ERINN Innovation, we work with funders, policymakers, researchers and project teams to integrate these practices in ways that are practical, proportionate and fit for purpose. Our experience shows that when Knowledge Transfer is systematic, collaborative and well‑resourced, research can move more effectively from evidence to action.
We look forward to sharing further reflections at the upcoming EARMA conference, and to continue the conversation on how we can better can better support policy, practice and societal outcomes.
Catch ERINN Innovation Senior Project Manager Eva Greene speaking at EARMA 2026 on Thursday morning at 11:00 CET.
