Why organizational change matters

This year’s INASP annual review looks at supporting research and knowledge systems with real and lasting capacity 

From developing prevention strategies against the spread of HIV or tracking down an elusive, deadly disease to planning crop planting cycles to mitigate the effects of climate change, research and knowledge saves lives. That’s why INASP’s mission is to support Southern individuals and institutions to produceshare and use research and knowledge.   

But at INASP it is not just the end results that matter to us and to our partners; our approaches to capacity development are central to everything we do. We believe that working in an integrated and systemic way, and designing for sustainability from the start, is most effective in realizing longer-term development.   

This year’s all-digital annual review takes a closer look at INASP’s thinking, approach and work with partners. We recognize that supporting organizational change is a critical element in capacity development and ensuring appropriate structures and processes are in place so that projects are sustainable beyond the lifetime of our involvement. 

The importance of this kind of thinking was shown as we came to the end of our five-year Strengthening Research and Knowledge Systems (SRKS). In our annual review, Jon Harle shares reflections on going beyond technical skills, to strengthening organizational capacity and effectiveness. 

We also turned the lens on our own organizational structures, particularly our approach to gender mainstreaming and ensuring that we truly are a learning organization, as Julie Brittain explains. 

Also in this annual review we share thought pieces from the year –  including how we can support organizational change in the way evidence is used in policy; supporting policy-making organizations to make better use of evidence can help address issues of power and voice in development; and the importance of Southern-led capacity development based on long-term engagement and partnership. 

These reflections are now being built on as we embark on new pieces of work: Jon Harle shares news of a new project to ensure that organizational change in higher education reaches beyond university walls to help students develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that they need for the world of work. 

We hope that you enjoy reading our all-digital review! If you have any questions or comments we would love to discuss them with you further. Do contact us on info@inasp.info or take a look at our staff page for contact details of specific people. 

INASP

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