In the realm of policy making, the notion of expertise often evokes images of academics, industry leaders, or renowned professionals. While their knowledge and insights are undoubtedly valuable, this narrow definition of expertise overlooks an essential dimension: lived experience. Society is composed of diverse individuals with unique perspectives shaped by their personal encounters, struggles, and triumphs. Disregarding the expertise derived from lived experience undermines the inclusive and comprehensive policy-making process our society truly needs. This article aims to navigate the complexities surrounding expertise and highlight the significance of integrating lived experience, professional expertise, and research-based insights to address societal challenges effectively. Ultimately, it unveils the role of PolicyCON in bridging these gaps and fostering a more inclusive and impactful policy-making landscape.

Expertise has traditionally been associated with credentials, degrees, and professional accomplishments. This framework places significant emphasis on academic qualifications and industry experience, often overshadowing the depth and richness of expertise derived from lived experience. While academic research and professional experience bring valuable insights, it is essential to recognise that lived experiences shape our understanding of real-world issues. Individuals who have personally encountered societal challenges possess a unique perspective that cannot be replicated through research alone.

Lived experience refers to the knowledge and understanding gained through personal encounters with social, economic, and cultural realities. It encompasses the narratives of individuals who have navigated through hardships, discrimination, or systemic barriers. This experiential expertise offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of complex societal problems, shedding light on aspects that may be overlooked by academic research or professional expertise alone. By amplifying the voices of those who have firsthand experience, policy makers can gain a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and develop more targeted and effective solutions.

Professional experience and research-based expertise also play a critical role in policy making. Professionals possess specialised knowledge and skills acquired through years of dedicated work in their respective fields. Their expertise is grounded in practical application and industry-specific insights. Similarly, research-based expertise, driven by rigorous study and analysis, provides evidence-based solutions and a broader understanding of societal issues. These forms of expertise bring a wealth of knowledge that can inform policy making, complementing the insights derived from lived experience.

To truly address complex societal challenges, it is crucial to merge these diverse forms of expertise. By integrating the perspectives of individuals with lived experience, professionals, and researchers, policy makers can gain a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted dimensions of a problem. Collaborative efforts that harness the collective wisdom of these distinct forms of expertise have the potential to foster innovative and inclusive policy solutions that resonate with the diverse needs and realities of the population.

PolicyCON serves as a transformative platform that embraces and amplifies diverse forms of expertise. It recognises the value of lived experience, professional experience, and research-based knowledge in shaping effective policies. Through PolicyCON, individuals with personal encounters, professionals from various fields, and researchers can come together, share their perspectives, and collaborate on policy development. This unique convergence of expertise bridges the gap between lived experiences and the policy-making process, ensuring that policies are not only designed for the people but also shaped by the people.

Inclusive policy making requires a paradigm shift in our understanding of expertise. By acknowledging the significance of lived experience, professional expertise, and research-based insights, we can unlock the true potential of policy making to address societal challenges comprehensively. PolicyCON’s role in embracing diverse forms of expertise is pivotal in creating a platform that empowers individuals, promotes collaboration, and facilitates the co-creation of policies that genuinely serve the people.