Evidence trades

The evidence ‘trades’ include the groups constituting the four ESN-CA hubs, with each focused on a different form of evidence, namely data analytics, behavioural and implementation research, qualitative insights, and evidence synthesis.

Often spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, each of these ESN-CA hubs has successfully transitioned to – in whole or in part – a timely, demand-driven approach, often using some combination of:

  • re-organizing their portfolio from many, large, multi-year projects to a portfolio of a much greater number of focused, time-limited projects
  • re-organizing their staffing model to allow for an ‘all-hands-on-deck’ approach to responding to the priority of the day (or week or month)
  • having ‘rapid’ approaches developed for each of their key designs and methods
  • having pre-approved ethics approvals based on these designs and methods, and requiring a simple amendment to specify the details for a given project
  • securing retainer-type funding with decision-makers or research-funding agencies that allows for all of the above.

Many such experiences – both COVID-19 focused and from earlier crises (or opportunities) that spurred innovation – were documented by the Global Commission on Evidence to Address Societal Challenges. 

For more insights on the role of evidence ‘trades’ – such as the ESN-CA our hubs for data analytics, behavioural and implementation research, qualitative insights, and evidence synthesis – scan ESN-CA brief 5. It lists six possible next steps:

  1. formalize timely, demand-driven evidence units working with each form of evidence, and raise awareness about these units among those working in advisory and decision-making processes, learning and improvement platforms, and citizen-led organizations
  2. explore how these evidence ‘trades’ can work in more ‘joined up ways’ through domestic networks like ESN-CA (e.g., ‘no wrong door’; clear menu of evidence products and processes, timelines, and related engagement processes) and in ways that best leverage and contribute to the global evidence infrastructure, including the Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative
  3. support citizen partners to bring lived and living experiences, and the many other ways they provide value, alongside each form of evidence.
  4. continue to develop and refine standards, by engaging Canada’s methods leaders, for producing timely, demand-driven forms of evidence. including adapting them to safely and responsibly using AI
  5. support the implementation of these standards through streamlined funding and ethical approval processes.