The R2A plan section is meant to be a planning resource for researchers to guide development of research utilization goals and objectives and implementation of related activities. An R2A plan maps out the steps needed to achieve these objectives and, ultimately, the research utilization goal. The plan should be a “living” document that may be updated based on research progress and new opportunities identified.
This section leads users through seven steps for creating the R2A plan. Working with the template provided, users complete a series of exercises designed to develop the content for each section of the plan. After completing the seven steps, users also complete worksheets that help them consider how they will track progress in implementing the plan and achieving desired outcomes.
To use this section of the toolkit, download the zip folder in the dropdown menu above. The zip folder includes a step-by-step guide, accompanying worksheets and examples, a “Readme” file with detailed instructions, and a troubleshooting guide.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Step 1a: Set Research-to-Action Goals
Step 1b: Summarize Major Project Results
Step 2: Stakeholder Analysis—Identify, Prioritize, and Engage
Step 3: Assess the Policy Environment for Research Use: Identifying Windows of Opportunity
Step 4: Distill Main Messages and Develop Actionable Recommendations
Step 5: Package Research in Appropriate, User-Friendly Formats and Disseminate
Step 6: Develop an R2A Plan Timeline and Checklist
Step 7: Regularly Track Progress and Measure Success
Please note that USAID’s Research Technical Assistance Center (RTAC) has concluded. The RTAC website will be decommissioned at the end of 2025. Some materials will be transferred to the NORC website and the USAID Learning Lab website in the coming months. However, we recommend downloading any materials you would like to preserve at this time.