Policy Briefing
Data for Development: Harnessing Digital Media Intelligence
Michael Urquhart
Michael specialises in partnering with civil society and public sector organisations who value a research-led approach to digital media consultancy. With topics spanning from information manipulation to trust in institutions, his research is driven by a deep understanding of how the media shapes citizen perceptions of the world around them.
RESEARCH PROBLEM
Digital media intelligence is a necessary tool for policymakers seeking to keep their finger on the pulse of popular perceptions that impact their work. Read our policy briefing co-authored with the International Institute for Environment & Development, where we outline the opportunities and threats associated with this type of research.
RESEARCH PLAN
Marble worked with various teams at the IIED to showcase the power of digital research:
We used statistical modelling to measure the “relative importance” that citizens in Ethiopia, Ghana and Zambia assign to competing forms of land use – to support food security versus conserve the natural environment.
We conducted a deep-dive into the global conversation around loss and damage caused by climate change, identifying key influencers in the discussion and drawing out the major themes that resonate with people discussing climate action on social media.
RESEARCH PATHWAY
This research allowed IIED to scope out different ways to leverage digital media intelligence and build partnerships that help advance their mission to build a fairer, more sustainable world. While the examples shared in this briefing are specific to certain topics, these models are transferrable and can be adapted to different contexts depending on the research objective.