Table 6 Categories of interaction within the knowledge–policy interaction framework

Isolated

Assessment and use of assessment results are strictly separated; results are provided for intended use, but users and stakeholders cannot interfere with the making of the assessment

Informing

Assessments are designed and conducted according to specified needs of intended use; users and limited groups of stakeholders may have a minor role in providing information to the assessment, but mainly serve as recipients of assessment results

Participatory

Broader inclusion of participants is emphasised; participation is, however, treated as an add-on alongside the actual processes of assessment and/or use of assessment results

Joint

Involvement and exchange of summary-level information among multiple actors is emphasised in scoping, management, communication and follow-up of assessment; on the level of assessment practice, actions by different actors in different roles (assessor, manager, stakeholder) remain separate

Shared

Different actors engage in open collaboration upon determining assessment questions, seeking answers to them, and implementing answers in practice; however, the actors involved in an assessment retain their roles and responsibilities