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Module describes a framework for developing an impact strategy in more detail and it is also summarized
2 in Box 9 and shown in Figure 7.

Determining effective ways of engaging key decision-makers is a key element of crafting an impact
strategy. An important element of this is to ensure the issues covered by the IEA also reflect the
concerns and priorities of decision-makers. Besides decision-makers, involving the media is particularly
9-12 December, 2013 audiences. Developing an impact strategy for a national IEA process
important both as a provider of information through public surveys, and as a channel to reach key

BOX 9
BOX 9

What is an impact strategy?

An impact strategy consists of the steps you take to ensure that the work you do will lead
to real progress on key issues or concerns. It is proactive in nature, and adaptive in a public
policy environment where priorities of governments and citizens can shift and change.

Why do you need an impact strategy?
It is often an underlying assumption of reporting that good information will lead to good
decisions. But while good information is necessary, it does not follow that decision makers
will act on it. Decision makers are often quite well informed, but their priorities and intentions
may differ from what your assessment might indicate is important. The challenge for you is
to take proactive steps to ensure that your assessment does not sit on a bookshelf once
it is done. Your assessment will lead to recommendations for action, and such actions may
require changes in government policies and practices. You should consider from the outset
how the findings from your assessment might be used, and how the priorities you identify
become the priorities of your government and your country.

Steps in building an Impact Strategy

Step 1. Anchor the assessment with a decision statement: what do you want to see changed,
based on the findings of the assessment, what decisions may need to be made and what changes
in policy or policy might be required? There will always be other influences on decision makers.

Some will compete with and others will align with your interests. Understanding the external

40 National IEA Process Design and Organization