Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Challenges in the design of a research
and development programme on
conflict and cooperation over natural
resources
Jan Joost Kessler
1
, Han van Dijk
2
&Wijnand van IJssel
3
Abstract
Two Dutch agencies, one responsible for research (NWO/WOTRO) and
the other for international cooperation (MoFA/DGIS), recently established a new
knowledge, research and innovation programme in the area of 'Conflict and Cooper-
ation over Natural Resources', otherwise known as CoCooN. The first set of projects
funded by CoCooN is currently underway. This chapter elaborates on the approaches
pursued, the design process and the structure of the programme, which aims to con-
tribute to innovation in science as well as developing policy and practice. The authors
highlight considerations, expectations and principles, describing the programme's
strategic value of creating linkages between different types of knowledge, formal and
informal, based on the science and development practice that originates from scientific
institutions and development agencies. One expectation is the capacity to better shape
the collaboration between research institutions, non-governmental organisations and
public institutions, and to do so on equal footing. Other expectations are to put in
place functional mechanisms enhancing responsiveness to policy demands, improving
knowledge sharing and capacity development (at project and programme level), and
strengthening communication and stakeholder engagement. The authors discuss these
expectations and related design principles based on preliminary experiences within the
programme.
Keywords
Conflict, natural resources, knowledge, innovation, science, develop-
ment relevance.
11.1 INTRODUCTION
Two sectoral agencies within the Netherlands have taken the initiative to develop a new
funding approach for the effective generation and use of knowledge for development.
One of these is the Directorate General of International Cooperation of the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs (MoFA-DGIS). In 2006, the Directorate developed a 'knowledge,
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