Summary

Research Report: A review of long-term research which examined twelve research projects supported by the agency.

Description

Author: Dr Ian Patrick (Ian Patrick & Associates Pty Ltd), Ms Helen
Bauer (UniQuest Pty Ltd), Zoe Mander Jones

AusAID commissioned a review of long-term research which examined twelve
research projects supported by the agency. The review objectives included
drawing out the best features and lessons learned from examination of these
projects; identifying the development, policy and/or program benefits that can
be provided by long-term research; and developing a framework to guide future
AusAID initiatives in the area.

Major achievements included increased awareness and understanding of
regional and country contexts, particularly from a broad economic perspective;
increased availability and access to information sources on regional and
country contexts; increased dialogue on policy issues, enhanced academic
scholarship and promotion of increased research attention, and enhanced
linkages between Australian research organisations and overseas researchers and
research organisations, particularly through research publications.
Subsidiary achievements included production of policy relevant research on
economic and social issues within an in-country context; and production of
highly topical, applied research on, for example, poverty and
peace-building.

A framework for future long-term research is proposed. Critical
components of the framework involve a set of measures focused on developing
international research partnerships as a means to research capacity
building in partner countries; and other measures aimed specifically to better
link the outcomes of long-term research to policy development.

Review of Long-Term Research Models: Best Practice Options [PDF 183KB]

Available: Electronic version only

This report was commissioned by AusAID. The findings, interpretations and conclusions expressed in the report are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of AusAID or the Australian Government.

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