The Evidence for Influencing Conference is organized by the Oxfam Research Network and focuses on the role of evidence in the ‘who’, ‘what’ and ‘how’ of influencing in relation to governments, global institutions, private sector actors and the public in different country contexts. The Conference takes place October 23 and 24, 2017 and is hosted by Kontakt de Kontinenten,

A strong evidence base is crucial for Oxfam’s influencing work and robust research is essential for a strong evidence base. Research for influencing may involve evidence about

1. WHAT needs to change – whether government policies, company practices or public attitudes and behaviours – as well as innovative solutions
2. WHO has power to make the change, and who and what influences them and
3. HOW to achieve change including which influencing strategies and tactics work in which contexts.

This Conference offers a valuable opportunity to share experiences and to explore and discuss the role of research and evidence in the influencing journey. It aims to help participants understand the different research options that are available and strengthen participants’ skills and expertise, e.g. on rankings, scorecards, indices, killer facts, case studies, audience research and big data.

Questions to be discussed

• How have ways and theories of influencing evolved over time?
• What types of research and evidence play which roles in influencing trajectories?
• How can we best use research for evidence-informed influencing and what tensions and challenges do we face?
• What trends and drivers affect the relationship between research and influencing in an era of populism and devaluation of facts?
• Which areas of evidence for influencing provide untapped potential?

Programme

• Scene-setting, inspiring in-depth keynotes
• Reflective breakout sessions on research used to influence governments, global institutions, private sector actors and the public
• Workshops for capacity strengthening
• Interactive talk show with panel

Participants

The Conference is intended for anyone involved in generating and using evidence for influencing. Whether in- or outside Oxfam, researchers, campaigners, advocacy directors, programme staff members, communication specialists, public engagement specialists or policy advisors – they are all invited to join the Conference to share and learn.