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As part of the new Civil Society Partnership Programme (CSPP),
RAPID will study CSO networks and their impact on the policy process.
A first step has been the production of a literature review on networks
which confirms the crucial roles that networks can play in bridging
research and policy. RAPID's analysis has also produced a number
a case studies that suggests that network are, in fact, a practical
solution to the barriers that CSOs often face when engaging with
adverse and complex policy contexts.
Over all, we consider that networks may help to:
- Increase the influence of good quality evidence throughout
the policy process.
- Build consensus amongst diverse actors.
- Bring civil society resources and expertise into the policy
process.
- Broaden and sustain the pro-poor impact of a policy.
However, we recognise the need to know more of what goes on within
them and between them. In fact, we need to understand how can networks
better carryout these functions to promote the use of evidence in
pro-poor policy processes.
Click on the links below for more information on current and future
research on networks:
Function and form
The hypothesis that is suggested by the literature review on global
policy networks is that the form of the network is determined by
the functions it was designed to play and vice versa. Individuals
and groups come together to carryout different functions to bridge
research and policy. A thorough study of the literature as well
as network examples and network evaluations suggests that networks
can carryout a combination of at least six functions: filter, amplifier,
investor/provider, convenor, facilitator and community builder.
These in turn define the terms by which they associate and organise
themselves into a network.
The first study aims to determine a relation between function and
form and assess issues such as the sequencing and compatibility
of functions. This will provide networks and those supporting networks
with relevant information for strategic planning. The study has
identified some key factors to study how networks work to achieve
their functions, including: governance, location and scope, capacities
and skills, resources, membership, communications, the external
environment and adaptive capacities.
Country case studies
Above all, RAPID's research must provide practical answers to the
role of evidence in bridging research and policy. With a clearer
understanding of the determinants of the structures of networks
we turn our attention to specific country studies. By focusing on
them we will be able to address the other components of the RAPID
framework (political context, evidence and external influences)
so as to better understand how the links component fits in.
Hence, our research will constitute a new and ambitious effort
to work with networks in developing countries. Framed by the development
of a practical tool for networks and international civil society,
donors and development agencies seeking to support or work with
them, this study will aim to answer the following context specific
questions:
- What functions do networks seeking to influence policy with
evidence need to carryout?
- Who are these networks trying to influence?
- What structural characteristics allow them to perform those
functions?
- What other functions should they perform to have a larger impact
on policy?
- What other functions can they perform given their current structural
characteristics?
- What changes in their structural characteristics would they
require to be able to perform these new functions?
- How should these changes be brought about?
ODI case studies
ODI works with and through various networks in developing countries;
it also hosts a number of global research policy networks. It is
therefore desirable for RAPID to work within ODI to enhance the
institute's capacity to influence policy processes as well as to
build the capacity of its own partners with the same objective.
ALNAP is an ideal example of a successful network influencing policy
implementation in humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the CSPP
hosts a series of collaborative projects, many of which directly
address networks.
Networks for Bridging Research
and Policy seminars
As part of our ongoing work we will aim to organise a seminar on
the roles that networks play in bridging research and policy.
Advisory work
RAPID will pursue opportunities to work with partners and donors
towards developing a better understanding of networks and applying
this knowledge to real poverty problems with practical policy solutions.
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