A review of more than 100 publications and papers by Lithuanian and external experts published from 1990 to 2006 in academic journals, books and monographs, proceedings and reports is the basis for this assessment of the role research has played in the policy evolution from 1990 to present. These studies had impacts on decision making, and there are also many ways in which the experiences of policy makers have informed the agricultural economics profession and improved our knowledge and understanding of the complexities of reform and transition. That is, the transition experience was in many ways a two-way and interactive learning process between researchers and policy makers and between east and west. We conclude that a key element in making research relevant and realistic was a process of frequent interaction among analysts and practitioners within Lithuania and among other transition country and external experts and practitioners.