The Impact of Research on Policy in the Drugs Field

Abstract

The article uses examples of UK drugs research (1980–2010) to illustrate the complex relationship between research, policy and politics. It draws on literature, documentary analysis, interviews and participant observation. ‘Drugs' is a contested issue and values compete with evidence to influence decisions. Research provides only one form of evidence. Sociological research became less influential in these years, reflecting the neo-liberal climate. The absence of research was also influential in shaping policy. However social research made significant contributions. It impacted initially by helping to understand a new problem; then through the construction of the ‘harm reduction approach’; and then by contributing to ‘the criminalisation of drugs policy’. Research helped by gathering intelligence, accumulating findings, raising questions and encouraging a culture of objectivity. Cases described indicate the role of filters as evidence percolated into or was rejected by policy-making circles. As government advisors, researchers risked being captured by politicians. But engaging in public debate could be challenging as researchers might lose control over how their findings were interpreted. The media were dominant influences in public debate and the simplification of discourse at this level was a hindrance. It is concluded that research has had impact where it linked directly to the policy market. Networks, think-tanks and policy entrepreneurs played key roles. An appropriate packaging of findings was important. Impact happened where there was a receptive audience and a window of opportunity opened, raising the issue on policy agendas. To intervene effectively, researchers had to ensure that reports were timely, to act quickly and work in alliances. Researchers who had impact often had a specific commitment to the drugs field. Beyond this, there remains a need for humanities and social science scholars to engage in public dialogue on this issue.