Engagement with the academic community can be helpful for fostering informed discussions and decisions within the Northern Ireland Assembly. Academic research is typically robust and independent, offering evidence-based insights that can greatly enhance policy scrutiny and law-making. However, when Members and officials place an emphasis on seniority and established track records of an academic – such as group memberships, job titles or quantities of publications – it can lead to a ‘closed loop’ of engagement, where the same experts are repeatedly consulted. Relying too heavily on a small, familiar group of academics – often referred to as the ‘usual suspects’ – can create a lack of diverse perspectives, or ‘intellectual homogeneity’, and limit opportunities for fresh, inclusive, and innovative solutions. For a society which is becoming increasingly diverse, incorporating different community needs and perspectives – and expanding the diversity of academic contributions – is crucial. Such an approach seeks to ensure a broader range of insights and experiences capturing this diversity, potentially yielding more robust, equitable, and trustworthy outcomes.
Key risks of limited academic engagement
Relying on a narrow group of academics for research evidence presents several risks. Firstly, it can lead to intellectual homogeneity, where the same ideas and perspectives are recycled, potentially stifling innovation. When a small pool of experts dominates the conversation, there is a risk of overlooking alternative viewpoints that could challenge conventional thinking and lead to more robust solutions.
Secondly, relying on a small, homogenous group can inadvertently perpetuate systemic biases. The ‘usual suspects’ often come from similar academic institutions, backgrounds, and networks, which may not be fully representative of the population. This can result in perspectives that do not adequately address the needs or concerns of marginalised or underrepresented communities. In an increasingly diverse society like Northern Ireland, it is vital that the voices influencing policy scrutiny and law-making reflect this diversity.
The advantages of diverse academic input
Expanding the circle of academic engagement may offer several advantages.
Innovation through diverse perspectives
Academics from different disciplines, institutions, and backgrounds bring unique perspectives to the table. By incorporating these diverse viewpoints, Members and officials can foster innovative solutions to complex issues. For instance, a sociologist focusing on rural areas might offer insights into community dynamics that a political scientist from an urban institution might overlook. This diversity of thought can lead to more effective scrutiny and decision-making.
Enhanced relevance and equity
When Members engage with a broader range of academics, they are more likely to encounter research that addresses the needs of different communities. This can lead to more equitable outcomes that consider the priorities and experiences of all citizens. For example, engaging with academics who specialise in gender studies, disability rights, or ethnic minority issues can help ensure that policies are inclusive and equitable.
Building public trust
Public trust in government is often linked to perceptions of fairness and inclusivity. When Members demonstrate a commitment to seeking out diverse academic perspectives, they signal to the public that all voices are valued in policy scrutiny and law-making processes. This can enhance public confidence in the Assembly’s work and contribute to a stronger, more cohesive society.
Strengthening collaboration with academia
Broadening the pool of academic contributors can also strengthen the overall relationship between academia and the Assembly. By engaging with a wider array of academics, Members can foster a more dynamic and reciprocal knowledge exchange, where they are not just recipients of academic research but active partners in shaping research agendas. This collaborative approach can lead to more targeted and applicable research that directly informs decision-making.
Practical steps for widening outreach
As highlighted in a recent Research Matters article, the Assembly’s Research and Information Service (RaISe) team use a number of approaches and measures to widen outreach to academics.
In addition, Members and their staff engaging with researchers may want to consider taking actions that would, for example, help to:
- Expand networks: Actively seek out academics from different institutions, especially those outside of the traditional powerhouses. This might involve reaching out to international scholars who can offer fresh perspectives.
- Utilise technology: Use available online platforms and digital communication tools that make it easier than ever to connect with a global network of academics. Webinars and virtual conferences can provide opportunities to engage with experts who might not have been accessible in the past.
- Foster interdisciplinary collaboration: Encourage interdisciplinary dialogue by creating spaces where academics from different fields can collaborate and share insights. This could involve hosting roundtable discussions, workshops, or policy labs that bring together experts from diverse disciplines to tackle specific challenges.
- Engage with early-career researchers: Early-career researchers often bring new ideas and approaches to the table.
Conclusion
Broadening academic engagement beyond the ‘usual suspects’ has the potential to significantly improve the quality of scrutiny, debates, and decision-making in the Northern Ireland Assembly. By actively seeking diverse academic perspectives, encouraging interdisciplinary collaboration, and embracing fresh ideas, Members and their teams, along with Assembly officials, could drive innovation, promote equity, and build public trust. The practical steps outlined earlier — from expanding networks to engaging with early-career researchers — offer potential pathways to cultivate a more inclusive and dynamic partnership with the academic community. Through these various efforts, the Assembly could enhance their understanding when addressing the complexities of contemporary society. This could foster decisions that are not only well-informed, but also reflective of the diverse voices that make up Northern Ireland.