Cracking the communication conundrum

Communications support for developing country research institutions should build on what is already there, says report

Funders of research in developing countries want the results of their investments communicated widely. But support for communications activities often fails to have the desired long-term effect, according to a report by two development science experts.

The report says that donor-initiated interventions either fail to inspire the developing country researchers or ignore existing capacity. It proposes that support is tailored to fit institutions’ existing capacity to make sure it has the desired effect.