Regional Knowledge Network
Building a research network will entail four mechanisms: a collaborative research and capacity building programme, involving the entire network; development of a website, list server, and discussion forum; establishment of information sharing arrangements; strengthening the outreach and publications programmes; and organizing travel and meetings for face to face discussion, programme planning, and representation. These mechanisms can provide the platform whereby the network can enable its constituents as well as others to undertake collaborative research, leverage the research activity into fundraising and network development, and develop a collaborative dissemination and outreach programme.
The support unit will have the responsibility of providing logistical services, maintaining the website and list server, mobilizing international expertise, especially from SEI centres and non-regional partners, leading the process of developing research proposals, ensuring that the research outputs, especially the analytical tools and information resources, are accessible to policy makers, and building upon the relationships with donors and international institutions, and thus enabling the research network to engender a regional “sustainable development policy community”.
Indicators of success in establishing the network include the following: size of membership, number and quality of publications, number and type of research proposals developed, common positions on key issues, participation in regional and international meetings, number of hits on the web site, hot links on other regional websites, volume of funds raised for joint projects, and name recognition.
