Abstract
Agricultural research can play a decisive role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, yet persistent gaps between research and policymaking limit its impact. This study examines how food systems research in Vietnam contributed to the National Action Plan for Transparent, Responsible, and Sustainable Food Systems Transformation (FS-NAP, 2022–2030). Using Outcome Trajectory Evaluation (OTE) informed by Policy Window Theory and drawing on semi-structured interviews with 13 institutional actors (September 2023) and document review, we identify three outcomes: reframing the food systems problem through new evidence; raising policymaker awareness via advocacy and communication; and strengthening an institutional support base. These outcomes operated through the three analytical streams of Policy Window Theory, enabled by innovative research, multi-institutional collaboration, and assertive communication. Key vulnerabilities include dependence on a central convener and Vietnam’s stable political context. The paper demonstrates how OTE renders visible long causal chains between R4D investments and policy outcomes.
Résumé
La recherche agricole peut jouer un rôle décisif dans la réalisation des Objectifs de développement durable, mais des écarts persistants entre la recherche et l’élaboration des politiques en limitent l’impact. Cette étude examine comment la recherche sur les systèmes alimentaires au Vietnam a contribué au Plan d’action national pour la transformation transparente, responsable et durable des systèmes alimentaires (FS-NAP, 2022–2030). En utilisant l’évaluation de la trajectoire des résultats (Outcome Trajectory Evaluation, OTE) éclairée par la théorie de la fenêtre d’opportunité politique et en s’appuyant sur des entretiens semi-structurés menés auprès de 13 acteurs institutionnels (septembre 2023) ainsi que sur une analyse documentaire, nous identifions trois résultats : une redéfinition du problème des systèmes alimentaires grâce à de nouvelles données probantes ; une sensibilisation accrue des décideurs par le plaidoyer et la communication ; et le renforcement d’une base institutionnelle de soutien. Ces résultats ont opéré à travers les trois volets analytiques de la théorie de la fenêtre d’opportunité politique, rendus possibles par une recherche innovante, une collaboration multi-institutionnelle et une communication affirmée. Les principales vulnérabilités identifiées incluent la dépendance à un coordinateur central et le contexte politique stable du Vietnam. Cet article montre comment l’OTE permet de rendre visibles les longues chaînes causales reliant les investissements en recherche pour le développement (R4D) aux résultats politiques.
Resumen
La investigación agrícola puede desempeñar un papel decisivo en el logro de los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible; sin embargo, las persistentes brechas entre la investigación y la formulación de políticas limitan su impacto. Este estudio examina cómo la investigación sobre sistemas alimentarios en Vietnam contribuyó al Plan de Acción Nacional para la Transformación Transparente, Responsable y Sostenible de los Sistemas Alimentarios (FS-NAP, 2022–2030). Utilizando la Evaluación de la Trayectoria de Resultados (OTE, por sus siglas en inglés), informada por la Teoría de la Ventana de Políticas y basada en entrevistas semiestructuradas con 13 actores institucionales (septiembre de 2023) y revisión documental, identificamos tres resultados: la reformulación del problema de los sistemas alimentarios a través de nueva evidencia; el aumento de la conciencia de los responsables de políticas mediante la incidencia y la comunicación; y el fortalecimiento de una base institucional de apoyo. Estos resultados operaron a través de las tres corrientes analíticas de la Teoría de la Ventana de Políticas, facilitados por una investigación innovadora, la colaboración multiinstitucional y una comunicación asertiva. Las principales vulnerabilidades incluyen la dependencia de un coordinador central y el contexto político estable de Vietnam. El artículo demuestra cómo la OTE visibiliza largas cadenas causales entre las inversiones en investigación para el desarrollo (R4D) y los resultados de política.
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This research was supported by the institutional funds of the Alliance Bioversity CIAT. No additional external funding was received for this work.
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S.P. collected, analyzed, and wrote the main manuscript. C.G. reviewed the main manuscript and contributed ideas and suggestions.
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Pérez, S., Gonzalez, C. The Role of Agricultural Research in Policymaking: The Case of Food Systems Research in Vietnam. Eur J Dev Res (2026). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-026-00761-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/s41287-026-00761-9