This study asks how communication shapes the uptake of expert-produced information by decision-makers in spatial (land-use) planning. The authors contribute a mixed-method investigation of Italian regional lawmakers and local decision-makers, examining whether and how accessible language, formats and channels affect understanding and legislative behavior when documents are technical and highly specialized.
Mixed-method study design Survey and interview evidence Link to legislative behavior
Data and methods
The paper reports a mixed-method study based on a survey and interviews with Italian regional lawmakers and local decision-makers working in land-use planning. The abstract identifies the study population (regional and local decision-makers in Italy) and the two primary data collection modes (a survey and follow-up interviews) used to probe communication barriers between experts and lay decision-makers.
Main findings
The authors report that comprehension — when decision-makers can easily grasp the meaning and implications of policy documents — appears more influential for their legislative behavior. They highlight communication barriers (language, channels, formats) that can reduce the potential for expert information to be adopted in practice and emphasize the need to translate expert knowledge into accessible, practical and concise forms.
- Communication barriers include differing languages, timelines and incentives between specialists and lay decision-makers.
- Improving clarity and practical presentation of expert outputs is presented as a key challenge for promoting evidence-informed policy-making.
