From frustration to integration:Action strategies for a better fit between knowledge and policy on the Wadden Sea

The fit between knowledge and policy on the Wadden Sea can and must be improved. Such is the recommendation of an interdisciplinary group of Dutch researchers who since 2013 have been collaborating on action strategies for better knowledge-policy interactions.The idea that ‘more knowledge will produce better policy’ or that ‘research will solve our policy problems’ fails to do justice to the realities of the Wadden region. The connection between knowledge and policy is for instance hampered by a large diversity of stakes and perspectives and by uncertainties about the effects of human activities in the area. The action strategies provide recommendations along three themes in order to deal with such issues, so as to move from frustration to integration of knowledge and policy.The theme of integration presents integrated concepts, processes, and knowledge systems in order to bridge the boundaries between knowledge and policy. The theme of learning capacity suggests learning processes and incentives for knowledge exchange. The final theme of preventing frustration is about giving more attention to reflection and organizing critical review. The action strategies have been tested twice among groups of Wadden Sea professionals to ensure their practical relevance.