From research to real-world impact

Academic literature provides the evidence, while our practical experience refines it. But when should we combine the two, and how can we do so effectively? The CARE project is finding answers as we develop advisory services for circular food and clothing practices at home.

Four reasons why to combine research and practical experience?

At the heart of the CARE project is a bold mission: to empower 100 households in five European locations to adopt more circular food and clothing habits. To support this change, the project is creating tailored advisory services and skill-building activities – called ‘interventions’ – to help participants change their habits, build community and sustain these practices over time.

But how do we ensure that these interventions are effective? How do we design tools that combine the strength of academic evidence with the value of practical know-how? CARE does this by combining the best evidence from the literature with the collective expertise of its consortium partners. Here’s why this approach matters:

1.) Uncover patterns and gaps through literature reviews

CARE’s research partners have conducted extensive literature reviews to understand what has already been achieved and where there are opportunities for innovation. By distilling thousands of articles down to a few key papers, we ensure that our advisory services and interventions are built on a solid foundation of proven methods. Partners who have worked in the field bring their experience to refine the review process, ensuring it’s focused and relevant.

2.) Visualising key findings to guide action

To translate research into practical insights, the CARE project has distilled its literature review into two concise infographics. These provide a clear, one-page overview of key findings on circular food and clothing practices, helping to highlight actionable opportunities. You can explore these infographics in detail here: Food and Clothing.

3.) Harness expertise across sectors – the advantage of having a consortium of partners from across Europe

The consortium behind CARE is rich in experience. Partners leading the different strands of the advisory services and interventions have run workshops to share best practice, highlighting success stories and common pitfalls. This collaborative approach not only ensures that design decisions are supported. By combining these perspectives, we create services and activities that are both innovative and grounded.

4.) Combine theory and practice for real-world solutions

Academic evidence may suggest the most effective interventions ‘in theory’. But that ‘in theory’ matters – because in the end, projects that work on the ground need ideas which are easy to implement and engage participants in. CARE focuses on finding this balance – designing activities that are easy for participants to adopt, while ensuring that their impact is measurable and meaningful. After all, even the most brilliant concept needs to resonate with participants to be successful.

Looking ahead: refining interventions through collaboration

As the CARE project continues, we are keen to refine our advisory services and interventions, combining research findings with practical experience.

Have you tried a similar approach in your work? What strategies have worked for you? And what’s your favourite way of bringing together literature and practice? Let’s collaborate and learn together to create impactful, sustainable change. Learn more on how to engage with us here.

Together with CARE, we transform our world for the better.

Header image: Photo by Susan Q Yin | Unsplash