African Researchers and Decision-makers. Building Synergy for Development: Building Synergy for Development

Contents

Contents List of Boxes ...................................................................................... v Abbreviations and Acronyms......................................................vii Foreword........................................................................................... xi Contributors.................................................................................... xv Introduction Why Reflect on Synergy between Researchers and Decision-makers in West and Central Africa? ...................1 Research that Contributes to Development and Influences Public Policy........................................................................ 2 Pragmatic Reflection in the West and Central African Context .................................................................... 12 Chapter I A Complex and Multifaceted Collaboration, Often Difficult to Implement ..............................................15 1. Marked Compartmentalization ........................................................ 15 2. Communication and Information: Often Inappropriate Due to a Climate of Mistrust ............................................................ 24 3. Inconsistency in Public Policies on Research and Insufficient Collaboration between Researchers and Decision-makers ......... 32 Chapter II Experiences and Initiatives that Promote Collaboration between Researchers and Decision-makers.....................41 1. Democratization Processes and Attempts to Harmonize Research Policies at the Institutional Level .....................................41 iv African Researchers and Decision-makers 2. Diversification among Actors Engaged in Knowledge Management and Sharing.................................................................. 47 3. Information, Communication and Promotion of Research Outputs ................................................................................ 56 Chapter III Recommendations to Improve Dialogue between Researchers and Decision-makers............................................................65 1. Creating and Strengthening Strategic Alliances between Researchers, Decision-makers and Civil Society ........................... 65 2. Enhancing Accessibility and Use of Research Outputs ................ 68 3. Adopting Legislative and Budgetary Measures to Adapt Operational Procedures of Universities and Research Centres to the Demands of Decision-makers and Researchers ................. 70 4. Defining a Concerted Action Platform for Researchers, Decision-makers and Civil Society to Formulate Research Priorities and Actions ....................................................................... 73 Notes..................................................................................................75 References .......................................................................................77 ...