The Institute draws its distinctiveness from the promotion of an exemplary model of use-inspired research. The model of research has five components:
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Integration of knowledge about the structural dynamics of the institutions and organizations through which laws, policies and programs are implemented; |
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Innovative methodologies and rigorous research designs for studying complex problems of contemporary life; |
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Research conducted in actual context with a focus on such outcomes as improvements in educational performance and cleaner environments; |
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Explicit consideration of the key factors supporting or impeding successful implementation of laws, policies and programs; |
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Timely and effective communication of results to promote widespread adoption of practices based on research conclusions. |
Over time, the Institute's reputation will derive from the impact that this model of use-inspired research has on promoting durable solutions to important social challenges. We emphasize that issues of implementation and institutional effectiveness are at the core of our conception of use-inspired research.