#10 KE Matters - The Importance of the Role People Play in Productive Engagement with Policymakers

Policy makers need a solid evidence base for informed decision making, often tapping into academic expertise. However, a disconnect can hinder knowledge exchange. This session will share insights from our regional experiences in place-based policy engagement, emphasising the crucial role of Professional Services. We often act as the glue among stakeholders, fostering partnerships with academics, policymakers, businesses, and communities to drive meaningful impact. Sharing lessons learned through a regional lens, we’ll demonstrate how we align expertise, policy focus, and economic factors to enhance engagement and ecosystem development. We’ll also highlight the importance of a people-centred, reciprocal approach and challenge existing preconceptions with real-world examples.