Glasgow Centre for International Development

Relationships

The final component of the questionnaire invited participants to share any other insights and expectations they have regarding successful research partnerships. The open-ended nature of this question resulted in a high diversity of responses, many of which were underpinned by common themes.

Eleven respondents emphasized the importance of various aspects of communication and trust. One highlighted the need for regular, ongoing engagement that keeps collaborators involved in activities at partners even when there are no active research projects. Another noted the need for understanding of the local contexts and constraints placed on partners, understanding that can only be gained through open communication. The need to build trust, mutual understanding, shared commitment and strong foundations that will be resilient to disruptions such as those cause by ODA funding cuts were consistent themes.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences and expectations of successful research partnerships?

"For successful research partnerships there is need for  international partnerships to understand the culture and socioeconomic status of our countries, there is a long way to go before we can implement science the way it is done in Western countries, and thus we sometimes fall short in expectations of our int. Partners." - Government respondent from Malawi

"Building trust is really important and easily eroded. For example, the GCRF earlier this year suddenly indicated a major cut to an existing project where the formal contract was in place! Although the ultimate cut wasnt too bad, the action caused huge uncertainty and anxiety, and undoubtedly weakened institutional relationships." - HEI respondent from South Africa

 

Capacity Strengthening

Nine respondents noted elements related to capacity strengthening in their answers. Some commented on specific needs, such as fee waivers for students, “training of trainers” and addressing specific skills development needs for researchers (report writing, qualitative and quantitative skills) while others referred more broadly to the importance of institutional capacity strengthening and a commitment to partnerships that would build sufficient capacity for southern institutions to not have to rely on northern collaborations.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences and expectations of successful research partnerships?

"Introduce us to opportunity's that can enhance our expertise. Possibly fund training programs because they have direct impact.  An example would funding training of trainers (ToT). Give us an opportunity to participate in your trainings because they are high level." - NGO respondent from Kenya

"More capacity building to improve the capacity of young researchers both in qualitative, quantitative and report writing" - HEI respondent from Uganda

Practical Elements

Several respondents focused on the practical elements of successful partnerships. These included the need for more flexibility in administrative processes (linked to the need for communication to understand local constraints), funding call criteria that include eligibility for LMIC institutions, more flexibility in payment processes, specifically advance payments, support for visa applications and transparent project planning.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences and expectations of successful research partnerships?

"I would like if possible to have more flexibility of advance payments and reporting." - HEI respondent from Burkina Faso

"Successful partnerships always have to take into consideration the political, cultural, and social backgrounds of each other. Some administrative policies and research methodologies may need to be adjusted in consideration of these." - Arts or Cultural Organization respondent from Zimbabwe

Power Dynamics

Across the themes mentioned above, the concept of power was clear. One respondent shared their feelings of being mistrusted by partners. Another stated that institutional policies on international collaboration should insist on equitable partnership while a third  pointed out the need for more participation in agenda setting and study design. Several respondents included references to mutual benefits for all partners, whether for capacity strengthening, research outputs or research impact.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your experiences and expectations of successful research partnerships?

"My expectations are, as a growing research country we need more tailor made eligibility criteria to allow more people to get admission into various programs. My experience are that most research done in a partnership are generated by the party that is providing the funding which in a mutual partnership should not be like that and also most partners providing funding do not have that much trust in our capabilities and think we are going to misuse funds." - Government respondent from Malawi

"More participation in agenda setting and study design." HEI respondent from Kenya