This edited collection of peer-reviewed papers explores critical challenges
faced by organisations and individuals involved in evidence-informed
development through a diverse set of case studies and think-pieces. In
this chapter we briefly set out the foundations of the trend in evidenceinformed
decision-making and reflect on a fast-changing development
knowledge landscape. The dominant themes emerging from the
contributions provide the structure for this chapter, including: building
networks and partnerships; contextualisation of knowledge and power
dynamics; and modes of knowledge brokerage. An analysis of these themes,
and the respective roles of researchers, non-governmental organisations,
large programmes and policy actors, suggests that a common thread
running throughout is the importance of social relationships. We find that
the social and interactive realities of mobilising knowledge comprise several
layers: (i) individual and collective capacities, (ii) individual relationships, (iii)
networks and group dynamics, and (iv) cultural norms and politics, which are
all key to understanding how to make evidence really matter.