Innovation platforms are equitable, dynamic spaces designed to bring heterogeneous actors together to exchange knowledge and take action to solve a common problem. Although innovation platforms are being set up to attain collectively defined development objectives, there are limited methods and tools available using quantitative data to evaluate whether they are effective. This paper elaborates a conceptual framework based on elements from new institutional economics and marketing relationship management to model the impact pathways within innovation platforms and how they contribute to attaining the objectives of the rural communities involved. The paper also proposes a field research protocol based on focus group discussions, semi-directive interviews of key stakeholders associated with the innovation platforms and individual surveys of platform members. The data collected is both qualitative and quantitative in nature allowing useful triangulation to test the model. Successive empirical tests of the model in different contexts should allow long-term strengthening and field validation of the conceptual framework.
An 'Outcome Mapping' approach was applied retrospectively to five diverse, highly collaborative research projects aimed at poverty reduction. Designed to help plan for, clarify, and document intended and actual changes in behaviour, actions, and relationships of groups and organisations that...
In this article is presented an emergent capacity development approach that the authors have developed through participatory action research in Peru and Ecuador, which they call ‘systemic theories of change’ (STOC), for organisational capacity development. They argue that capacity development should be...
The UNDP Capacity Assessment Methodology User‘s Guide gives UNDP and other development practitioners a detailed step-by-step guide to conducting a capacity assessment using the UNDP Capacity Assessment Methodology, which consists of the UNDP Capacity Assessment Framework, a three-step process and supporting...
The book presents an overview of six research projects within the Knowledge Networking for Rural Development in Asia Pacific (ENRAP) research program. It asks if ICTs enabled farmers to sell beyond local markets and at better prices, and whether there...
Proceedings of a workshop dealing with issues around enhancing agricultural innovation and the impact and usefulness of ag R&D. It includes stakeholders analysis, different levels of case studies and specific innovation experiences and has policy and specific action recommendations....