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Communicating Economic Concepts and Research in a Challenging Environment

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  • John Davis

Abstract

This address explores the communication challenges facing the economics profession and agri‐food and rural economists in particular against a background of reputational damage to the profession and an apparent loss of trust in experts. It argues that a common thread linking many of the challenges is the need for more effective models of communication so that our economic concepts, ideas and research findings can be more timely, better understood and, most importantly, have greater impact. Five important challenges are examined: loss of trust in experts; emotions and decision making; the role of the media; the roles of agri‐food and rural economists; and competition from other disciplines and interests. A good practice communications framework is then proposed embodying ten important communication principles: understanding the target audience; understanding the political context of decision makers; generating a robust evidence base; building reputation and credibility; need for cross disciplinary working; consulting with stakeholder groups; getting the timing right; producing high quality presentations; making use of social media; and being prepared for challenges. Four stereotypical categories of communication incorporating different standards of rigour and relevance are identified: Ivory tower; Gold Standard; Populist; and Quicksand. Responses by the Agricultural Economics Society and the European Association of Agricultural Economists to the need for more accessible communications via the development of the innovative outreach journal EuroChoices are outlined.

Suggested Citation

  • John Davis, 2018. "Communicating Economic Concepts and Research in a Challenging Environment," Journal of Agricultural Economics, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 69(3), pages 591-605, September.
  • Handle: RePEc:bla:jageco:v:69:y:2018:i:3:p:591-605
    DOI: 10.1111/1477-9552.12300
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Alan Swinbank, 2017. "Brexit, Trade Agreements and CAP Reform," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 16(2), pages 4-9, August.
    10. Rivlin, Alice M, 1987. "Economics and the Political Process," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 77(1), pages 1-10, March.
    11. Berkeley Hill, 2017. "The United Kingdom's Domestic Policy for Agriculture after Brexit," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 16(2), pages 18-23, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Călin Vâlsan & Elena Druică & Zizi Goschin & Rodica Ianole-Călin, 2024. "The Perception of Economic Growth and the Romanian “Mioritic Syndrome”," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 3718-3739, March.
    2. John Davis, 2020. "The Covid‐19 Pandemic Highlights Key Roles for Economists," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 19(3), pages 3-3, December.
    3. John Davis, 2020. "EU‐UK Brexit Negotiations, Covid‐19 and Key Roles for Economists," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 19(1), pages 3-3, April.
    4. John Davis, 2019. "Brexit and the Challenges in Communicating Economics," EuroChoices, The Agricultural Economics Society, vol. 18(2), pages 3-3, August.

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