Research into Use Programme [RIU]

Norman Clark

5.9.11

Background

• RNRRS 1600 research projects (£220m)

• 10 programmes 1995-2005

• Problem putting research into use

• Structural issue on knowledge and technology development

RIU Programme

• NR International (lead organisation)

• SSA & S Asia

• Country Assessments

• Innovation Systems Analysis

• Innovation Platforms

• National Innovation Coalitions

Medium Term Review (2009)

The Emergent Knowledge Market UK Experience

(i) Government Departments

[Rothschild Report]

• Customer/contractor principle

• Competitive R & D contracts

• Alienation of research council funds

• Privatisation of public laboratories [cf. India]

Emergent Knowledge Market UK Experience

(ii) New Institutions

• Biotechnology Directorate

• Teaching Company scheme

• CASE studentships

• Interdisciplinary research centres

• Technology Foresight

Institutional Experimentation

The New Knowledge Market [Mode 1 Mode 2]

UK Experience

Rapid rise in S/T expenditures [control]

Lack of economic “spin off”

Technical incompetence in government

Economic competition

Implications

•“Steering” of science – Where does science fit? (Objectivity?)

– How to re-model higher education?

Commercialisation of science – How to handle IPRs?

– How to build partnerships?

– How to reconfigure roles/functions?

•Accountability of science – Auditing

– Impact assessment

Knowledge Market Failure

• Supply price but no unique demand price

• Resource misallocation in agriculture

• Institutional context

• Contrast industry where firm is broker

• RIU as countervailing mechanism

Research into Use 4 Segments

• Africa country programme

• Asia Research projects

• “Best Bets” programme

• I4D Fund entrepreneurship

OUTPUT 1:PROMOTION OF

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

AFRICA

Country programmes

ASIA

Research projects

BEST BETS

Promising technologies

I4D FUND

Financing entrepreneurs

OUTPUT 1:PROMOTION OF

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

AFRICA

Country programmes

ASIA

Research projects

BEST BETS

Promising technologies

I4D FUND

Financing entrepreneurs

Output 2 Learning

• Researchers

• Working with projects

• Capacity building

CENTRAL RESEARCH TEAM

Programme Director

Deputy Programme

Director

I

M

P

A

C

T

A

S

S

E

S

S

M

E

N

T

Research question

1

Research question

2

Research question

3

Senior Advisors

Tech-nology 1

Tech-nology 2

Tech-nology 3

Tech-nology 4

I4D FUNDASIA BEST BETSAFRICA

Tanzania

Zambia

Sierra Leone

Nigeria

Rwanda

Malawi

CENTRAL RESEARCH TEAM

Programme Director

Deputy Programme

Director

I

M

P

A

C

T

A

S

S

E

S

S

M

E

N

T

Research question

1

Research question

2

Research question

3

Senior Advisors

Tech-nology 1

Tech-nology 2

Tech-nology 3

Tech-nology 4

I4D FUNDASIA BEST BETSAFRICA

Tanzania

Zambia

Sierra Leone

Nigeria

Rwanda

Malawi

Research Process

• Data gathering

• Regular workshops

• Connection to policy activity

• Reporting to management/staff

• Advice on project amendment

Best Bet Programme

• Call for proposals

• Consortia with key private sector input

• Clear indication of socio-economic outcomes (employment, incomes etc)

• Clear statement of exit strategy and sustainability

Best Bet Selection

• “Dragons Den”

Entrepreneur

Venture capitalist

Scientist

• 10 minute presentations (20 mins discussion)

• C. 200 applications (E & W Africa)

• Short list of (39 12)

• Selection of 9

• Offer of contract

Selection Criteria

• RNRRS (and other) technology contact

• Employment and incomes

• Gender balance

• Private sector involvement

• Network linkages

• Sustainability

• Likely public policy impact

Projects funded

• FIPS (inputs/technology)

• Real IPM (BCA)

• Armyworm forecasting and elimination (BCA)

• Sleeping sickness

• “Nerica” rice

• Shujaaz network

• Clean Seed yam

• Other (aquashops, W Africa BCAs)

Example FIPS

Technology

• Clean inputs/new varieties (KARI)

• Small quantities

• Agronomy (fertiliser)

• Seed priming (Bangor)

• Livestock (Poultry)

Example FIPS

Private Sector

•VBAAs

•Agrovets

•Large firms (seeds/fertilizer)

•Entrepreneurship

Forward Linkages

•Rwanda

•Uganda

Ultimate Aim

To generate knowledge about how best to put research into use in a sustainable way

Important role of the private sector

hence use of the “dragons den” metaphor

Lessons Learned

• Institutional experimentation

• Evolutionary behavioural change

• “Product champions”

• Value chain focus

• Project management

• Networking

• National government contact

• Multiple knowledge elements

Conclusions

• Private sector mobilisation

• Public/private partnerships

• Knowledge integration

• Capacity building/ sustainability

• Continuous experiment

Questions ?