Dialogic science-policy networks for water security governance in the arid Americas

The paper introduces the concept of "dialogic science-policy networks" as a mechanism to address the "wicked problems" of water security in the arid Americas. These networks are characterized by interdisciplinary, international, cross-sectoral, open, iterative, and flexible interactions between scientists and policy-makers, aiming to achieve inclusivity, involvement, interaction, and influence.

• The authors define "dialogic science-policy networks" as interactions between scientists and policy-makers that are interdisciplinary, international (specifically inter-American), cross-sectoral, open, flexible, and continual and iterative in the long-term. These networks aim to meet the "4-I criteria" for effective science-policy dialogues: inclusivity, involvement, interaction, and influence.
• The AQUASEC virtual center and network, initially funded by the Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research, serves as an example of a comprehensive dialogic network. It has since expanded to other regions through the International Water Security Network, which receives support from the Lloyd’s Register Foundation and other sources.
• While dialogic science-policy networks can improve water system resilience and adaptive governance, they face significant challenges regarding steady financial support and commitment. Additionally, there is a remaining research gap in evaluating the long-term outcomes of these networks.

APA

Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research (2025). Dialogic science-policy networks for water security governance in the arid Americas. https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/dialogic-science-policy-networks-for-water-security-governance-in-the-arid-americas/

Chicago

Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research. Dialogic science-policy networks for water security governance in the arid Americas. 2025. https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/dialogic-science-policy-networks-for-water-security-governance-in-the-arid-americas/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research |title=Dialogic science-policy networks for water security governance in the arid Americas |date=8 January 2025 |url=https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/dialogic-science-policy-networks-for-water-security-governance-in-the-arid-americas/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{interamericaninstituteforglobalchangeresearch2025dialogic, author = {{Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research}}, title = {{Dialogic science-policy networks for water security governance in the arid Americas}}, institution = {Inter-American Institute for Global Change Research}, year = {2025}, month = jan, url = {https://iai.int/es/pub_acad/dialogic-science-policy-networks-for-water-security-governance-in-the-arid-americas/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }