Crossing Lines analyzes the experiences of more than 25 education research networks spanning Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Europe. Their history yields rich insights into the construction and maintenance of communication structures and processes that increase the utility, and the utilization, of education policy research.

Networks are difficult to establish and difficult to maintain. But if maintained, they facilitate effective communication between the various members, leading to generation of shared conceptions of what is important, and how best to go about achieving it. The networks described in this book are intended to help researchers identify problems and design research that is relevant to the countries in which they work. The networks also are intended to help decision-makers identify information that is available, and to signal the kind of information required in the future. This book is an important research and professional tool for educators and education policy-makers, both in national governments and in international assistance agencies.