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Decision-making in an uncertain world

Decision-making in an uncertain world. Achieving greater use and impact of research through the learning alliance approach (and other multi-stakeholder processes). Ewen Le Borgne, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre. Outline. The context – a complex sector in a changing world

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Decision-making in an uncertain world

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  1. Decision-making in an uncertain world Achieving greater use and impact of research through the learning alliance approach (and other multi-stakeholder processes) Ewen Le Borgne, IRC International Water and Sanitation Centre Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  2. Outline • The context – a complex sector in a changing world • The idea – multi-stakeholder processes • The works – what it takes, results, challenges • The future – what is really at stake here? Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  3. The contexta complex sector in a changing world Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  4. The context (1): a complex sector in a changing world • Wicked problems need integrated solutions • Poverty is a wicked problem • Urban water management = wicked problem within a complex system • How can research help reduce fragmentation? Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  5. The context (2): a complex sector in a changing world • Potential research bottlenecks • Addressing demand/ felt problems? • Institutional framework? • Promoting innovation? • Timely outputs? • Beyond the island of success / Scaling up? Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  6. The context (3): a complex sector in a changing world • The hampering environment • Coordination? • Learning? • Participation? • Social inclusion? • The challenge: Creating coherence through common understanding, joint vision, joint action (ownership) Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  7. The ideaMulti-stakeholder processes Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  8. The idea (1): Multiple Stakeholder Processes • MSPs that encourage social change and cooperation - Bilateral partnerships - Peer networks / CoPs - Exchange platforms - Resource centre networks - Multi-stakeholder forums - Learning alliances Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  9. Innovation Scaling up Global Global platform National platform National District platform Intermediate Community The idea (2): The Learning Alliance model • Addressing common problems • Diverse types of stakeholders • Connected at various levels • Learning, innovating, scaling up • Doing things differently, not doing different things: action research, short cycle communication, learning and dissemination • …in fancy animation… Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  10. The idea (3): The Learning Alliance model • Typical steps: • Assessing situation, demand and expressing needs • Joint visioning • Communication strategy early on: meetings, website, working papers, exposure visits etc. • Outcomes monitored using appropriate methods Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  11. The idea (4): The Learning Alliance model The intensity ladder Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  12. Birmingham LA platform Alexandria LA platform Belo Horizonte LA Platform SWITCH inter–city IUWM LA platform for inter-city learning Accra LA platform Some examples of Learning Alliances • Empowers project: MENA region – Local water governance • RiPPLE project: Ethiopia & Nile region – Governance, productive uses of water • SWITCH Project • 9 cities • IUWM Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  13. The worksWhat it takes, results, challenges Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  14. The works (1): What it takes? • Engaging key stakeholders • Structured action learning • Excellent facilitation • Recognised legitimacy of various • knowledge sources (local vs. scientific) • Deal consciously with politics and power • Develop capacity for participation Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  15. The works (2): Tangible results • EMPOWERS: Greater inclusion, improved governance (guidelines and other outputs)… • MUS: Improved self-reliance, more funding for MUS… • SWITCH: Municipal recognition of research, scaling up the LA approach (Poland)… • RiPPLE: Increased scheme rehabilitation, more funding for WASH, national learning forum… • Generally: valuing and promoting knowledge generated together and research (capacity) Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  16. The works (3): Challenges? • Managing high expectations • Keeping up momentum / interest • Bridging different interests, cultures and approaches • Accommodating project design and demand-led research • Funding for facilitation of learning alliances is not secure • How to demonstrate the value? Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  17. The futureWhat is really at stake here? Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  18. The future: What is at stake here? • Need for a clear ‘hypothesis of change’ / intervention logic • Increased attention to slow / qualitative development • Clever proposal development and flexible donors to design demand-led science • Underestimated costs of multi-stakeholder processes • Social learning and coordination for an effective sector • Tailored impact evaluation is vital for learning projects • “What do you think?” Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

  19. For more information: • SWITCH: www.switchurbanwater.eu/learningalliances • RiPPLE: www.rippleethiopia.org • MUS: www.musproject.net • WASHCost: www.irc.nl/page/39103 • Ewen Le Borgne (leborgne@irc.nl) and any other contributor from this session… • And fill up the follow-up form to be kept posted! Istanbul, 20 March 2009 - session 6.2.2

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