"A policy brief outlines the rationale for a particular policy alternative or course of action in a current policy debate. A policy debate is the ‘market place’ for competing policy ideas. The purpose of a policy brief is to convince the target audience of the urgency of the current problem and the need to adopt the preferred alternative or course of action outlined, and therefore, serve as an impetus for action. The purpose of a policy brief ranges from exploration (briefs that present a targeted discussion of policy alternatives without promoting a particular one) to advocacy (briefs that argue directly for the adoption of a particular alternative). All briefs are focused, professional (not academic), evidence-based, succinct, understandable, accessible, practical and feasible, and action-oriented."
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