Knowledge and Policy Linkage Mechanism between Health and International Trade: A Case Study of the National Committee on International Trade and Health Studies (NCITHS)

Abstract

This research article studied the role of the National Committee on International Trade and Health Studies (NCITHS) in terms of policy coherence linking knowledge to performance and outcomes. The research employed qualitative methods including documentary research and in-depth interview to collect data based on the research framework namely strategic-constituencies approach, goal attainment, and theory of change. The findings showed that NCITHS could frame knowledge and policy coherence in case of monitoring public policies and became a participatory platform to create ‘trust’ among policy actors to willingly share information. However, there were some obstacles, including the organizational structure, limitation of policy recommendation, inconsistence of position and person in committee’s composition as well as the limitation of presenting academic information to reach policy stream. The research suggests that NCITHS should become a formal platform for participation and create a databank about international trade and health policy. Moreover, the working process should be proactive and support political communication beyond academic circles to the broader public.