Durham Reporter

RTI International emphasizes the significance of training and technical assistance (TTA) in transforming research into practical solutions. RTI team members conduct research on various social issues to improve human conditions, including enhancing criminal justice responses, collaborating with medical providers, and supporting victims of crime or families in crisis.

The organization highlights the importance of partnering with practitioners, policymakers, and those affected by issues to ensure that evidence is effectively integrated into practice. Training and technical assistance play a crucial role in making research accessible, building capacity, and fostering collaboration through virtual and in-person learning environments.

Five key reasons are outlined for why TTA is essential:

1. **Addressing Real-World Barriers**: TTA identifies barriers to implementation—such as resource-related or logistical challenges—and creates opportunities for problem-solving among practitioners and researchers. This knowledge sharing helps form communities of practice.

2. **Fostering Open Dialogue**: TTA facilitates trust-building and open dialogue between researchers and practitioners, overcoming hierarchical obstacles inherent in formal evaluations.

3. **Building Capacity**: Through individualized support and group training, TTA enhances the skills of practitioners, policymakers, and service providers. It helps agencies manage federal awards more proficiently while offering experienced agencies a platform to share expertise.

4. **Enhancing Research Application**: Researchers guide implementation by providing expert insights based on evidence. In some projects, they offer data insights from previous evaluations or build evidence concurrently with TTA support.

5. **Driving Long-Term Impact**: TTA provides ongoing support to ensure sustainable implementation of evidence-based practices over time. It involves engaging partners in sustainability planning beyond existing funding cycles.

RTI stresses that research combined with TTA ensures that evidence-based practices are adopted successfully. This approach fosters continuous improvement leading to lasting positive change.