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Key Message

There is real power in collaboration, but it is not always easy. Individuals, institutions and sectors need to understand better how to work together to make a difference in the world.

Team


Heather Creech· Heather Creech
Director - Knowledge Communications
Carolee Buckler· Carolee Buckler
Project Manager
Stuart Slayen· Stuart Slayen
Manager, Publishing and Communications
Terri Willard· Terri Willard
Associate

Networks & Partnerships

Bridging the gap between research, policy and action

Achieving sustainable development requires collaboration among sectors and institutions, and the participation of all stakeholders and individuals. But there are many different ways people and organizations can work together to share knowledge, to advocate and to take action. These include campaigning networks, communities of practice, knowledge networks, public-private partnerships, multistakeholder partnerships and strategic alliances. These have all become important mechanisms for identifying priorities, undertaking joint research and for engaging other stakeholders in developing workable solutions. By combining their efforts, members of networks and partnerships are able to have a greater impact on policy and practice than they would have on their own.

Different kinds of networks and partnerships have some characteristics in common, but also face unique challenges. In order to realize their potential, careful attention must be paid to issues of governance, management, communications and evaluation of performance.

Content

Our methodology

Our investigations into networks and partnerships are based on action research with the networks and partnerships that we host; case study research; and workshops and electronic conferences with other practitioners. IISD also provides planning and evaluation services to those seeking to improve their performance. The experiences of networks and partnerships such as the Global Knowledge Partnership (GKP); the International Forum on Rural Transport and Development (IFRTD); Knowledge Networking for Rural Development in Asia/Pacific Region (ENRAP); IUCN – The World Conservation Union; the Global Development Learning Network (GDLN); and the Global Village Energy Partnership (GVEP) have enriched our understanding of the variety of forms successful networks may take, and the challenges they face.

For more information about IISD's networks, partnerships and communications research and consulting, please contact Heather Creech, Director, Knowledge Communications.