Table 2.

Consolidated list of areas for alignment

Area for alignment	Topics
Goal	The formulation of the knowledge question; exploration of its origin, the “question behind the question,” and the underlying need for the knowledge products
Tasks and authority	The input of all involved actors (both researchers and policymakers); their responsibilities, knowledge and data exchange by actors during the process, and the final authority over the knowledge products
Quality	The research method; conceptual framework and data used in the research project
Consultative structure	The consultative structure of the project; the sharing of relevant information and the relationships between actors; double-role actors
Vertical alignment	Interaction within the organization conducting research and within the commissioning organization; interaction between hierarchical levels and the embedding of the project in the organizations
Organizational environment	The environment of the research project; awareness of relevant conditions external to the research project influencing the relationship between investigators and linked actors; incidents, media events, relationships with other organizations, changing priorities, and changing actors
Relevance and timing	The formulation and wording of the research results and timing of the delivery and presentation of the knowledge products
Presentation	The design and structure of knowledge products and the tools for the extension strategy