Bridging the Gap Between Research, Policy, and Society in Water and Climate

On April 1, the SDSN Kazakhstan hosted a Roundtable to explore the interlinkages between research, policy, and society in addressing water and climate challenges in Kazakhstan and Central Asia. The event brought together researchers from the Graduate School of Public Policy at Nazarbayev University (NU GSPP), Justus Liebig University (JLU), Karaganda State University alongside representatives from the World Bank, UN FAO, GIZ, and EC IFAS, to discuss solutions to the region’s pressing socio-environmental challenges.

The roundtable highlighted the ongoing difficulty in finding effective solutions due to the persistence of traditional linear models of science-policy interaction, often coupled with limited societal engagement. While researchers continue to highlight critical climate risks and water security concerns, policymakers often focus on technocentric, infrastructure-based solutions. The central issue, as identified during the discussions, is not just bridging the research-policy gap but also integrating societal perspectives into this largely unexplored interface.

The event featured expert presentations, including Dr. Aliya Assubayeva, Assistant Professor at NU GSPP, shared insights on water policy and governance research; Dr. Vadim Yapiyev from the NU National Laboratory Astana discussed water and climate research in Kazakhstan and Central Asia; and Dr. Björn Weeser, SDG nexus Network project manager at JLU explored the role of citizen science in these interfaces.

One of the key questions raised was: Who could take on the role of knowledge brokers or synthesizers, responsible for translating research findings into practical, actionable solutions for policymakers and local communities? This question drove much of the dialogue, with participants suggesting that think tanks at universities could play such a role. These institutions could serve as intermediaries, translating research into practical applications in water and climate governance, ensuring that scientific findings are effectively integrated into real-world policy decisions.

The event successfully achieved its objectives, fostering idea exchange, identifying research gaps, and exploring synergies among participants. Key recommendations included promoting participatory research, incorporating local knowledge, capacity building, and creating platforms for ongoing dialogue between researchers, policymakers, and communities for sustainable solutions.