This 5-page article, authored by Lisa Carson, Catherine Althaus, Helen Sullivan, and Brigid van Warooy, serves as an introduction to the AJPA symposium titled ‘Generating and demonstrating implementation impact.’ It explores the essential elements required to bring about real-world impact from research and policies.

The articles in the symposium unearth three interlinked themes crucial for achieving improved societal outcomes and impact:

1. Measurement: Demonstrating impact can be challenging, particularly when connecting evidence-based decision-making (EBDM) with the impact agenda. The difficulty arises partly from the attribution of impact and the confidentiality surrounding policymaking. 

To address these challenges, the article proposes a comprehensive framework for capturing the true impact of public policy research. This approach involves broadening the concept of impact and its various pathways, focusing on what should be measured rather than solely on what can be measured.

2. Partnership Approaches: The second theme emphasizes the importance of fostering authentic and trust-based partnerships. Researchers should place a strong emphasis on building such partnerships to facilitate better outcomes for communities. 

This can be achieved through a relational approach and improved commissioning. Placing relationships at the forefront, allowing communities to lead, investing in people, and embedding learning all play vital roles. Additionally, attention to the dynamics between practitioners and academics collaborating in partnerships can, in itself, yield ‘impact.’

3. Storytelling: The third and final theme centers on the art of storytelling to convey impact effectively. There is often a time lag between research and the realisation of its benefits. Therefore, it is unproductive to try and measure incremental social change by examining research outputs and engagement activities.

Instead, the article suggests the use of a narrative approach to provide valuable insights that can help in telling more comprehensive stories about the impact of policies.

In summary, the articles featured in this symposium offer practical insights into understanding, generating, and translating impact into practice.