Analytic approaches for research priority-setting: issues, challenges and the way forward

In the last two decades, growing demand for studies assessing health care interventions, coupled with the acknowledgment that limited public funds for research ought to be allocated efficiently, has led to increasing calls for the use of analytic approaches for research prioritisation. Two main approaches have been proposed—‘value of information’ and ‘prospective payback of research’—but none of them is used formally in the prioritisation process. This article discusses possible barriers to the formal adoption and use of analytic approaches. These include uncertainties around the appropriateness of using results of analytic approaches for priority-setting, questions around the validity of the results, and challenges in introducing and using analytic methods as part of the prioritisation process. It is argued that most of these challenges can be overcome, and ways of doing so are discussed. The author’s view on the direction and pace of future developments is provided, followed by recommendations for further research.