Evidence-based policy making has become a cornerstone of effective governance, where decisions are grounded in the best available scientific evidence. In this context, preprints — early versions of research papers that have not yet undergone formal peer review — are playing an increasingly important role. By providing rapid access to research findings, preprints are helping to shape policies that are both informed and responsive to emerging evidence. This article explores how preprints are contributing to evidence-based policy making, their benefits, challenges, and potential future developments.

What Are Preprints?

Preprints are research papers made available before they undergo peer review. They are often shared on preprint servers and provide a public record of the research, allowing other scientists, practitioners, and even policymakers to review and discuss the findings. Preprints cover a broad range of disciplines, including the social sciences, natural sciences, medical research, and more. They allow researchers to share their work quickly, receive feedback, and establish priority for their findings.

Unlike traditional journal articles, preprints are not subject to the same lengthy peer review process. However, they are increasingly recognized for their value in facilitating early dissemination of research results, contributing to open science, and supporting transparency.

How Preprints Contribute to Evidence-Based Policy Making

Evidence-based policy making involves the use of the best available research evidence to inform and guide decisions. Preprints, as a tool for disseminating research early, can play a vital role in this process by helping policymakers stay up-to-date with the latest evidence. Below are the primary ways in which preprints contribute to evidence-based policy making:

1. Faster Access to New Research

One of the primary advantages of preprints is their rapid dissemination. In traditional publishing, research can take months or even years to be reviewed, accepted, and published in a journal. This delay can be a problem for policymakers who need timely evidence to inform decisions. Preprints bypass this delay, allowing policymakers to access research almost as soon as it is completed.

This quick access to new evidence is particularly crucial in fast-moving fields, such as public health and climate change, where policy decisions often need to be made urgently. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for example, preprints became an essential tool for disseminating the latest research on the virus and its spread, helping to inform governmental responses.

2. Enabling Evidence-Based Decision Making in Real Time

Preprints allow policymakers to make decisions based on the most current evidence available, rather than relying on older studies that may no longer be relevant. In situations where policy needs to respond to new challenges — such as public health crises, environmental disasters, or economic changes — preprints provide policymakers with a way to access cutting-edge research in real time.

For example, in the aftermath of a natural disaster, preprints could provide early research on effective interventions, disaster management strategies, or recovery processes. Policymakers can then use this evidence to make timely, evidence-informed decisions that may help mitigate the impact of the disaster.

3. Increasing Transparency in Policy Development

Preprints also help improve transparency in policy development by enabling the public and other stakeholders to access the research behind policy decisions. This openness fosters a more inclusive and accountable policy-making process, as stakeholders can review the evidence that is being used to shape policies. By making research findings publicly available through preprints, governments can demonstrate that their decisions are grounded in scientific evidence and are open to scrutiny.

4. Promoting Cross-Sector Collaboration

Preprints encourage collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and other stakeholders. By sharing research early, preprints invite discussion and engagement from a wide range of actors, including those from the private sector, civil society, and governmental organizations. This cross-sector collaboration is particularly valuable for tackling complex, multidisciplinary challenges such as climate change, public health, and economic development.

For example, preprints on public health interventions may attract interest not only from health policymakers but also from education officials, social service providers, and community organizations. This kind of collaboration can lead to more comprehensive and integrated policy solutions.

5. Supporting Replicability and Rigorous Evaluation

Preprints also contribute to evidence-based policy making by promoting scientific rigor and replicability. While preprints are not peer-reviewed, many preprint servers encourage authors to upload supplementary materials such as data sets, code, and experimental protocols. These materials enable others to evaluate and replicate the research, ensuring that the evidence used in policy decisions is robust and reliable.

In fields like medicine and environmental science, where policy decisions can have significant consequences, the ability to replicate studies and verify findings is crucial. Preprints provide a way for researchers to engage in open science and share the details of their research processes, allowing others to assess the validity and reliability of the findings.

Challenges and Considerations

While preprints offer numerous benefits, there are challenges and considerations that need to be addressed, particularly when it comes to using preprints in policy making:

1. Lack of Peer Review

Preprints have not yet undergone formal peer review, which means that the quality of the research may vary. Some preprints may contain errors, limitations, or methodological flaws that have not yet been identified. Policymakers must exercise caution when using preprints as a sole source of evidence and should consider them alongside other, peer-reviewed research.

To mitigate this issue, policymakers can use preprints as a starting point for gathering information, while relying on peer-reviewed publications for more definitive evidence. Collaboration with research institutions and experts in relevant fields can also help validate the findings presented in preprints.

2. Misinterpretation or Misuse of Findings

Given that preprints are publicly available, there is a risk that they may be misinterpreted or misused. In particular, preprints in fields such as health or social sciences may be cited or referenced in ways that exaggerate their conclusions or overlook their limitations. This is particularly problematic when preprints are used as the basis for policy decisions without proper scrutiny or peer review.

To address this challenge, policymakers should be trained to critically assess preprints and consult with experts to evaluate the research before incorporating it into policy decisions. Additionally, they should look for preprints that clearly outline any limitations and that are associated with reputable preprint servers.

3. Preprint Quality and Consistency

Not all preprint servers have the same level of quality control, which means that the standards for submitting and sharing research can vary. Some preprint repositories are highly selective, ensuring that only well-conducted research is shared, while others may allow a broader range of studies to be uploaded. Policymakers must be mindful of these differences when considering preprints from various platforms.

Conclusion

Preprints have the potential to revolutionize evidence-based policy making by providing policymakers with faster, more accessible, and more transparent access to the latest research. While challenges such as lack of peer review and misinterpretation remain, the benefits of preprints in promoting rapid dissemination of evidence, fostering collaboration, and enhancing transparency far outweigh the risks. By incorporating preprints into the policy-making process, governments can make more informed, timely decisions that are grounded in the best available scientific evidence.