|
 Building
Effective Research Policy Networks: Linking Function and Form
We know that networks matter for international development. ODI
is interested in learning more about how networks can help CSOs
use evidence to influence policy processes. Evidence shows that
networks are growing in number in developing countries, and between
developing and developed countries. Increasingly, donors fund networked
projects in different countries to draw on different skills and
views. However, it seems that we know little about what makes networks
work.
The functions of networks
Ongoing work on networks has so far focused on the functions
that networks carry out:
- Filter
- Amplify
- Convene
- Invest/provide
- Build communities
- Facilitate
Based on a series of cases from around the world, but mostly from
Peru and Cambodia, it seems that networks can carry out these functions
within two broader roles of agency and/or support.
Having defined the functions that networks can play, the next step
is to determine the structural characteristics (organisation, skills,
resources, etc.) that networks need to have to be able perform them
more effectively. For instance, what type of membership does a network
need to be a successful amplifier? Is it the same as the membership
needed for community building? Most likely the answer is not. Amplifiers
will benefit from outward-looking members, whereas community builders
will benefit from inward-looking ones.
This short paper addresses some of the main characteristics of
networks to identify a set of criteria worth looking into to explain
how networks can better carry out their given functions. This paper
is based on the same premise as previous work: that, ideally, networks
need to begin by defining the functions they want to play and then
choosing their structure accordingly.
The form of networks
The literature and cases studied suggest that a series of factors
affect a network's capacity to fulfil its roles and functions. These
help us describe the network and what it is capable of doing.
- Functions: What roles and functions does the network
carry out? (Filter, amplify, invest/provide, convene, build communities
and/or facilitate.)
- Localisation and scope: Where are the network and its
members located both physically and thematically?
- Membership: Who are the network's members and how are
they related to each other?
- Governance: What are the behaviours and processes in
place within the network that govern its short and long-term functioning?
- Resources: Does the network have access to all the inputs
necessary for its functioning?
- Capacity and skill: Do the network and the network members
have the capacity and skills necessary to carry out their functions
and tasks?
- Communications: Does the network have appropriate communication
strategies to carry out its functions, thus amplifying messages
outwardly or sharing messages and information within the institution?
- External environment: What are the external influences
affecting the network?
- Strategic and adaptive capacity: Is the network capable
of managing changes and shocks in both its internal and external
environment? Can it manage those changes on its own or does it
depend on others (partners, networks, donors)?
These criteria cover both the internal and external environment
of the network and consider the structures and process that allow
it to function and develop. Some of them are stressed by more than
one. In essence, they provide a guide drawn from the literature
and the understanding that the external environment, the internal
organisation and the network's content matter equally when addressing
success. Together, they affect the way a network works, providing
them with opportunities in and challenges to achieving their objectives.
Three key conclusions worth highlighting are as follows:
- Many networks carry out many functions: identifying a direct
link between form and functions is difficult.
- There are, however, a series of organisational and functional
characteristics that are specific to some roles.
- Membership seems to be a critical aspect of the organisational
characteristic of the networks.
More on networks...
|
