HOST Policy Research: Our Services
Knowledge Reviews
In an era of evidence-led policy for governments, attention often focuses on what can be learnt from management information, new research and new or revised forecasts. However, much can also be learnt from drawing together information and research that is already available, or being conducted. This may not be a substitute for where ‘primary’ research is needed, but clients often find that knowledge reviews can be a critical companion (or precursor) to such research.
HOST’s approach to knowledge reviews is customised, systematic, and applied. It involves combinations of literature reviews, bibliographic databases, web searches, and consultation with key agencies. Reviews can build in peer-referencing to validate the assessment, and also to extend the analysis of, for example, implications for policy, effective practice and innovation.
Knowledge reviews are often highly focused and integrated parts of other commissioned policy research studies but can be conducted as stand-alone studies. Recent stand-alone reviews have included an assessment of public sector manager mentoring systems (for QIA), and a 25-country cross-European review of teacher training in post-secondary education (Cedefop).