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Search Results
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Research in ActionNatural Resources Science and Technology
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PerspectivesScience and TechnologyFrom talk to tech: rethinking engineering in African universitiesWe need to rethink who is being trained and how to unlock engineering skills.
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PerspectivesNatural Resources EnvironmentCan we tackle climate change with social equity?Taking a leadership role in promoting socially transformative research to more effectively deal with climate change.
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Research in ActionGender Natural Resources Science and TechnologyExpanding business opportunities for youth in the fish and poultry sectors in Kenya
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Research in ActionScience and Technology Information and CommunicationArtificial intelligence for development
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PerspectivesDevelopment Science and TechnologyExcitement, concern, and hope for AI in the Global SouthArtificial intelligence is a double-edged sword — its benefits and pitfalls need to be balanced.
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Research in ActionEnvironment Development GovernanceLeading for change: Finding innovative approaches to finance effective climate action
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Research in ActionScience and TechnologyEmpowerment through research: IDRC’s 10th Annual Public Meeting
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PerspectivesNatural Resources EnvironmentThe evidence on climate change is clear, and so are the solutionsSolutions based on evidence are what will help us reverse, slow down, and adapt to the effects of climate change.
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PerspectivesNatural Resources EnvironmentAdaptation to climate change must be inclusive, equitable, and representativeEffective adaptation must balance short-term results with the long-term pursuit of socially-inclusive innovation.
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PerspectivesNatural Resources EnvironmentResearch evidence can close Africa’s policy implementation gap
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PerspectivesNatural Resources Environment Food and AgricultureMinimizing disaster risk through climate action: Examples from the field
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PerspectivesNatural Resources Environment Social PolicyCollaboration and climate adaptation: more than the sum of its parts
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StoryNatural Resources Environment Food and AgriculturePromoting gender and climate-smart agriculture to improve farmer resilience
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StorySocial Policy Evaluation Science and TechnologyResearch Quality Plus: A holistic approach to evaluating researchA new approach for evaluating research intended for the “real world."
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StoryNatural Resources Environment Food and AgricultureClimate change resilience calls for private sector commitment
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StoryScience and Technology Health Natural Resources Governance Development EconomicsArtificial intelligence and human development
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PerspectivesNatural Resources Environment HealthEffective climate action: why biodiversity matters
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IDRC awardeesNo relevant topics
ICT innovation needs solid relationships
ICT innovation needs solid relationships
“It looks obvious,” says 2017 IDRC Research Award Recipient Victor Oteku, “but the importance of personal connections is very strong in establishing partnerships for technological innovation in Kenya.” Working in IDRC’s Regional Office for Sub-Saharan Africa, Oteku’s research sought to uncover socio-political and economic factors that shape partnerships for technological innovation in Kenya.
Oteku chose the information and communication technology sector for his study because of its high value to innovation and its contributions to growth in other sectors. The Kenyan government is also focusing on scientific and technological innovation in its long-term development plan, he says.
“Partnerships are mutual and synergetic collaborations geared toward a common goal,” says Oteku. The online survey he conducted showed that economic factors had the biggest influence on partnerships. Interviews and focus group discussions, however, “suggested that socio-cultural factors had a stronger influence.” Personal relationships, in particular, can determine success or failure. He concluded that all those involved need to work toward formal but open and flexible partnerships.
While a research awardee, Oteku also helped develop a proposal in support of the multi-funder Science Granting Councils Initiative in Sub-Saharan Africa. These councils are central to funding and catalyzing research and innovation.
Personally, “I nurtured the values of tolerance, cooperation, and hard work just by observing my colleagues do their jobs,” says Oteku. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been here.”
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