Identify a recurring challenge
A challenge facing several organisations or authorities, with significance beyond one isolated case.
For public bodies
From a public challenge to applied research
FourWard can help public bodies and organisations identify recurring challenges, translate them into research questions and form multidisciplinary, cross-institutional research around them.
When this is relevant
When decision-making needs an evidence base
Not every operational challenge requires research. This route is relevant when a question recurs in several settings, when options need to be tested over time, or when combined knowledge is needed across fields such as policy, data, technology, environment, health, education or economics.
FourWard does not present an off-the-shelf solution. Its role is to create the conditions for research that can examine alternatives systematically and form the research group best suited to the selected challenge.
Four steps from a field challenge to research
Frame a research question
Consider what applied research can learn, which options should be compared and what knowledge is required.
Build the research and expert group
Bring together relevant research capabilities from the four institutions and, where needed, from additional bodies.
Advance through a suitable route
Develop a work plan and consider paths forward and funding that fit the research and possible use of its findings.
A starting point
Is there a challenge recurring across more than one organisation?
A focused conversation can begin with the challenge, the groups it affects and what is needed to assess whether applied research is an appropriate tool.
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