PROMOTION AND UPTAKE PATHWAYS FOR RESEARCH OUTPUT - A REVIEW OF ANALYTICAL FRAMEWORKS AND COMMUNICATION CHANNELS

Analysis of the pathways by which research outputs come to the attenti on of potential users, and of factors which influence uptake, requires selection of an appropriate analytical framework and set of indicator s. The main factor influencing uptake by users, is the relevance to th em of the research output itself. Relevance is not inherent in the res earch output, but a function of specific contextual factors. In additi on the features of the research process and the 'target' have a bearin g on uptake by intermediate users. Six analytical frameworks are brief ly presented and compared. Models of the technology development proces s suggest questions about the nature and efficiency of linkages betwee n the different elements of the process. Models of information process es focus on the fact that information is not simply passed on but is c ontinually being transformed and adapted through communication. Models of the research management process suggest that the main determinant of relevance is the care and collaboration with which research goals a re determined and research implementation is monitored and managed. Sy stems models allow us to move away from unilinear conceptions of techn ology development, and can deal more effectively with the diversity of information sources and channels available to potential users. This i s also true of the multiple source of innovations and farmer first' mo dels. Each framework has its uses and limitations: for any particular study, it is important to select one that is most suited to the type o f research output and the particular issues under consideration. A wid e range of socio-economic reseal ch methods have been used to explore promotion and uptake issues. Standard sample survey methods have limit ations and alternatives are suggested. Publication, face-to-face inter action and electronic communication are the main pathways for promotio n to fellow scientists. Long term relationships between collaborating institutions, and stability in research team composition, are factors in effective promotion at this level. Access to scientific publication s in developing country research institutions is seen as a major const raint. Much is already known about the effectiveness of extension and communication methods among end users. There is undoubtedly a lot of u ntapped potential in the emerging communication technologies for low c ost, effective access to agricultural information. The paper ends by s uggesting a number of areas for future research on promotion and uptak e. (C) 1997 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd.