Calling all Researchers: Respond to the Tech Policy Bat Signal

August 21, 2024
By Zander Arnao

Earlier this year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Office of Technology published its first-ever list of research questions, inviting dialogue with researchers about a variety of technology issues. The research questions provide a guide to researchers about the agency’s interests: in the words of one FTC staff member, the list of research questions was prepared to act as a “bat signal on what we care about.”

The Office of Technology works to understand emerging technologies and monitor market developments relevant to the agency’s broader jurisdiction. Digital markets are notoriously complex and difficult to scrutinize, which makes the FTC’s move to engage the research community all the more important.

The research questions concern some of the most pressing technology issues of our time, ranging from how artificial intelligence will affect fraud and competition to data privacy and platform design. These are crucial areas of public conversation that deserve greater attention from both regulators and the scientific community.

On July 31, KGI had the opportunity to host the FTC Office of Technology team to raise awareness about the research questions, and help researchers understand how they can best engage with the agency.

The event presented an ideal opportunity for researchers to hear about the research questions straight from the source, and for the Office of Technology to receive feedback and answer questions. While the conversations obviously focused on the FTC’s Office of Technology specifically, many of the key takeaways apply to engaging with government agencies about research more generally.

A major theme of these conversations was the importance of building stronger connections between the scientific community and agencies like the FTC. Participants agreed that academics and regulators should identify where they have mutual interests: where does the venn diagram intersect?

There was also conversation about building a shared vocabulary by referring to the published research questions or other documents from the agency intended for public consumption. This can help researchers learn the language policymakers use when discussing various technology issues.

The Office of Technology also gave attendees advice on how to communicate their research findings to policymakers. When making first contact with an agency, researchers were advised to distill their findings into a one-pager or short executive summary and emphasize their relevance to agency activities because, from its perspective, the connection may not be clear.

This recommendation is similar to another best practice shared by a researcher in the audience: research once, communicate three times. After research is published, one of the most effective methods of amplifying its reach is translating it into more accessible formats, such as long form articles, short policy memos, or even op-eds. This act of translation can make complicated research feel both easier to understand and more relevant to policymaking audiences.

Finally, the FTC highlighted the challenge of writing about complex, technical topics for readers who may lack important background knowledge. One of the most effective ways to get around this problem is using analogies and metaphors to describe an issue. This approach can help frame a nuanced argument in terms that are more relatable to a busy public official.

An exchange of knowledge between regulators and researchers was a core goal of the event. While public officials may be interested in learning from the research findings on a topic, they may not always have the time or resources to do so. And though scholars may be inclined to share their research and to ensure that it has an impact, they may not necessarily know when public officials are interested, or how to communicate with them.

Bridging this divide is essential to KGI’s mission and why we seek to foster conversations between researchers and policymakers. We look forward to continuing to find novel ways to bring these two groups together. Those in research, policy, civil society, and industry interested in future opportunities should subscribe to our email alerts.

Key Takeaways for Engaging with Agencies about Research:

1. Share your research in a brief and accessible format such as a short memo.
2. Explain your findings in simple terms. Use metaphors and analogies where possible.
3. Be explicit about how your research is useful and connects with their work. 
4. Be proactive. If you need tips for reaching out, feel free to contact kgi-admin@georgetown.edu.