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Submission Best Practices

Learn how to create high-quality policy briefs and research contributions that have the greatest impact.

Writing Effective Policy Content

Creating effective policy content requires a combination of rigorous research, clear writing, and strategic presentation. The following best practices will help you develop submissions that resonate with policymakers and researchers.

Core Principles

Regardless of the specific contribution type, all effective policy content shares these core principles:

Evidence-Based Analysis

Ground your analysis in solid evidence and reliable data. Clearly distinguish between facts, expert consensus, and your own interpretations or recommendations.

  • Use diverse, credible sources
  • Cite recent and relevant research
  • Present data in accessible formats (charts, tables)
  • Acknowledge limitations in the available evidence
  • Be transparent about your methodology

Clear, Concise Writing

Write in a clear, straightforward style that communicates complex ideas effectively to both specialists and informed non-specialists.

  • Use plain language when possible
  • Define technical terms when they must be used
  • Keep sentences and paragraphs focused and concise
  • Use active voice for clarity and directness
  • Organize content with descriptive headings and subheadings

Policy Relevance

Connect your analysis to current policy debates, challenges, or opportunities. Make the relevance of your insights clear to decision-makers.

  • Identify specific policy problems or questions
  • Consider the practical implications of your analysis
  • Address the feasibility of potential solutions
  • Acknowledge political, economic, and social contexts
  • Highlight the timeliness of your contribution

Actionable Recommendations

When appropriate, provide specific, realistic recommendations that follow logically from your analysis.

  • Make recommendations concrete and specific
  • Consider short-term and long-term options
  • Address potential implementation challenges
  • Identify key stakeholders for each recommendation
  • Suggest metrics for measuring success

Structure and Organization

How you structure and organize your content significantly impacts its effectiveness. A well-structured document guides readers through your analysis and helps them quickly locate key information.

Effective Document Structure

While specific structures vary by contribution type, these organizational principles apply broadly:

Executive Summary

Begin with a concise summary (250 words maximum) that captures the essence of your contribution:

  • State the policy issue or question
  • Summarize key findings or insights
  • Highlight main recommendations (if applicable)
  • Emphasize the significance of your contribution

Introduction

Set the stage for your analysis:

  • Define the scope and purpose of your contribution
  • Provide necessary background context
  • Explain why the topic matters
  • Preview your main arguments or findings

Main Body

Organize your analysis in a logical sequence:

  • Use descriptive headings and subheadings
  • Present one main idea per section
  • Provide evidence to support each key point
  • Use transitions to connect ideas
  • Include visual elements (charts, tables) to illustrate complex information

Conclusion and Recommendations

End with a strong conclusion:

  • Summarize key findings and their significance
  • Present recommendations in a clear, actionable format
  • Discuss implementation considerations
  • Suggest areas for further research or analysis

Visual Organization

Use visual elements to enhance readability:

  • Break up long text with subheadings, bullet points, and numbered lists
  • Use tables to present comparative information
  • Include charts and graphs to illustrate trends or relationships
  • Add text boxes for case studies or examples
  • Use consistent formatting for similar elements

Audience Considerations

Understanding your audience is crucial for creating effective policy content. Different readers have different needs, interests, and levels of expertise.

Tailoring Content for Different Audiences

The 3D Policy platform reaches diverse audiences. Consider these audience segments when crafting your submissions:

Policymakers and Advisors

These readers need actionable insights that can inform decision-making:

  • Focus on practical implications and recommendations
  • Provide clear, concise executive summaries
  • Use visual elements to communicate key points quickly
  • Address political feasibility and implementation challenges
  • Highlight short-term and long-term considerations

Academic Researchers

These readers value methodological rigor and theoretical grounding:

  • Provide detailed information about your methodology
  • Engage with relevant academic literature
  • Acknowledge limitations and areas for further research
  • Use precise, technical language when appropriate
  • Include comprehensive references

Practitioners and Professionals

These readers seek insights that can inform their work in the field:

  • Include practical examples and case studies
  • Provide tools, frameworks, or checklists when applicable
  • Address common challenges and potential solutions
  • Use industry-standard terminology
  • Focus on application and implementation

Informed General Audience

These readers are interested in policy issues but may not have specialized knowledge:

  • Avoid or explain technical jargon
  • Provide sufficient background context
  • Use clear, accessible language
  • Include engaging examples or narratives
  • Highlight broader societal implications

Multi-Layered Approach

For maximum impact, consider structuring your content in layers that serve different audiences:

  • Executive Summary: For busy policymakers and general readers
  • Main Text: For practitioners and informed stakeholders
  • Methodology and Technical Sections: For researchers and specialists
  • Appendices: For detailed data and supplementary information

Quality Assurance

Before submitting your contribution, take time to ensure it meets the highest standards of quality. A thorough review process can significantly improve the impact and reception of your work.

Pre-Submission Checklist

Use this checklist to review your contribution before submission:

Content Quality

  • Does your analysis address a significant policy issue or question?
  • Is your argument logical, coherent, and well-supported by evidence?
  • Have you considered alternative perspectives or counterarguments?
  • Are your recommendations specific, feasible, and aligned with your analysis?
  • Have you acknowledged limitations in your data or methodology?

Structure and Organization

  • Does your executive summary effectively capture the key points?
  • Is your content organized in a logical, easy-to-follow structure?
  • Do your headings and subheadings accurately reflect the content?
  • Have you used appropriate transitions between sections?
  • Are your visual elements (tables, charts) clear and properly labeled?

Writing and Style

  • Is your writing clear, concise, and accessible to your target audience?
  • Have you defined technical terms and acronyms?
  • Is your tone appropriate for a policy document?
  • Have you checked for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors?
  • Is your formatting consistent throughout the document?

Citations and References

  • Have you properly cited all sources of data, quotes, and key ideas?
  • Are your citations formatted consistently according to the required style?
  • Have you included a complete reference list?
  • Are your sources credible, diverse, and up-to-date?
  • Have you checked for and addressed any potential plagiarism concerns?

Peer Review

Consider seeking feedback from colleagues before submission:

  • Ask a subject matter expert to review your analysis and recommendations
  • Have someone from your target audience read for clarity and relevance
  • Request feedback on specific aspects you're uncertain about
  • Allow sufficient time to incorporate feedback before submission deadlines

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Overambitious scope: Trying to cover too many issues in a single contribution
  • Insufficient evidence: Making claims without adequate supporting data or sources
  • Excessive jargon: Using technical language without explanation
  • Vague recommendations: Offering general suggestions without specific actions
  • Ignoring context: Failing to consider political, economic, or social realities
  • Confirmation bias: Selecting only evidence that supports your preferred conclusion
  • Poor visual presentation: Using confusing charts or tables that don't enhance understanding
  • Excessive length: Including unnecessary details that dilute your main message