Image credit: International Committee of the Red Cross/Jacob Zocherman.
In the quest for innovation and progress, partnerships between humanitarian and development organisations (HDOs) and academia have become increasingly common. However, a recent article published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) sheds light on the practical challenges faced by such collaborations. Authored by Louis Potter — Managing Partner at Outsight — and a group of seasoned innovation practitioners, the article critically analyses the dynamics of partnerships between HDOs and academia, emphasising the need for a more strategic and efficient approach.
Link to the Article: Read the Full Article
Understanding the Landscape
The article delves into the motivations behind collaborations between HDOs and academic institutions. Highlighting the involvement of prominent organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), the authors acknowledge the noble intentions of these partnerships—to leverage academic research and scientific expertise to address real-world problems in challenging environments.
Identifying Pain Points
Through a critical analysis informed by workshops and interviews, the authors identify three main categories of pain points along the technology development timeline: resources, deployment strategies, and roles and responsibilities. Each category poses unique challenges that, if not addressed proactively, can hinder the success of collaborative efforts.
Funding and Human Resources:
The article emphasizes the importance of securing adequate funding throughout the project duration.
Challenges arise from differing expectations between HDOs and academia regarding funding sources and project scopes.
A lack of commitment of human resources from both sides hampers the initial stages of project development.
Deployment and Sustainability:
The success of a technology is measured by its deployment on a wide scale, yet this remains a rare outcome.
The article highlights the lack of profit motivation, leading to neglect in maintenance, improvement, and training for deployed technologies.
Questions of self-sustainability and market outreach are critical considerations often overlooked in early project stages.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Expectations:
Clear definition of roles and responsibilities is identified as crucial for successful partnerships.
The authors argue that the classic academic approach to technology development may not perfectly align with the requirements of HDOs.
Expectations play a significant role in determining the success of partnerships, emphasizing the need for transparent communication.
Moving Forward
The authors advocate for a more strategic and informed approach to collaborations between humanitarian and academic sectors. They stress the importance of comprehensive planning, clear communication, and a critical partner selection process. The article concludes by calling for a literacy in technology innovation and development processes within HDOs to ensure a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by collaborative initiatives.
Conclusion
As we navigate the complex terrain of humanitarian-academic collaborations, the insights provided by this PNAS article serve as a valuable guide. Acknowledging the inherent challenges and proposing solutions, the authors encourage stakeholders to approach partnerships with a strategic mindset, fostering a more efficient and impactful collaboration that addresses real-world challenges in a holistic manner.