Approaches to research capacity strengthening (RCS) that support the sustainable local ownership, and the wider sharing of learning and knowledge, are essential to the future of research as well as for nations and communities to find solutions to the many challenges facing the world.
This Quick Guide is for funders of RCS programmes who are looking for a short and accessible guide to the latest evidence on RCS best practice. However, RCS is complex; consistent and shared definitions of the term are still evolving and, in many contexts, the knowledge that is emerging remains tacit. In a review of 172 publications on RCS, we found 25 different definitions of the term, none of which were cited by more than three papers.
For the purposes of this guide, we adapted a definition used by ESSENCE1 and define RCS as: enhancing the capacity of individuals and organisations to conduct, manage, share and apply research, while enabling national and sub-national research systems to effectively support research and the linkages between research and practice.
Through our reviews and consultations, we identified three central principles underpinning RCS, and used these to inform the development of this guide. That is, RCS:
- takes place at, and between, the individual, institutional and ‘societal’ levels;
- has different dimensions related to national, institutional and programme strategies, resources, leadership systems, infrastructure, skills and culture;
- is an emergent, systemic and long-term process in which everyone involved has a responsibility (and a right) to contribute and benefit.
In addition, there seems to be broad consensus that quality RCS interventions tend to:
- strengthen existing systems rather than create new ones;
- allocate adequate support and resources to core research activities; and
- ensure that institutional leaders are given credit for RCS gains, and motivated to invest in replicating them