The role of international aid agencies in building research capacity in less developed countries
Lessons from Nicaragua
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52712/issn.1850-0013-1045Keywords:
north-south collaboration, capacity building, knowledge production, NicaraguaAbstract
This article departs from the idea that modalities of support from the North to research capacity development in the South rest upon particular assumptions concerning knowledge production and utilisation. It argues that most existing schemes tend to rely on assumptions that seem to be in need of revision, what helps to explain the low impact of north-south research partnerships on development. It illustrates the argument with an analysis of the Nicaragua-Sweden partnership with support from SAREC. It suggests new assumptions to be taken into account when designing modalities of support to research capacity building, as follows: i) the notion of innovation as a non-linear process involving different stakeholders and forms of knowledge; ii) the need for social relevance and accountability; iii) the idea of self-determination and local ownership.
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