http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/47200 2013-06-20T13:32:56Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/49937 Title: Accountability Principles for Research Institutes: On-line Forum Report, Feb-Mar 2008 Authors: Whitty, Brendan Abstract: The on-line forum which invited responses to the questions: (1) To whom are research organisations in developing countries accountable? (2) What is the nature of their accountability? This paper summarises the responses to the questions. The forum participants drew on their own experience and that of their research to propose the existence of a number of “ideal types” of research organisation, each of which has its own stakeholder profile. Acknowledging, however, that the diversity of research organisations defies easy classification, the participants teased out some of the dilemmas facing research organisations in defining and balancing the demands and level of engagement to different groups of stakeholders. They also proposed accountability mechanisms and approaches by which research organisations can best resolve these dilemmas. 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/49936 Title: Accountability of Innovation - A literature review, framework and guidelines to strengthen accountability of organisations engaged in technological innovation Authors: Whitty, Brendan; Gersten, Julie; Poskakukhina, Yulia Abstract: Technological advances in fields such as health care, food security and clean energy offer vital solutions to the chronic problems facing human society today. Innovation is a key element of progress and improvement in the quality of life of people across the world. Yet since the Second World War there has been a significant change in the understanding of how technological innovation happens, and how technological innovation in different sectors can be improved. Literature and practice reveals in particular a growing awareness of the need when innovating to take into account a wider group of stakeholders, including the users, as well as a range of social, economic and cultural factors. It is vital therefore to be much more widely accountable and responsive. This paper synthesises some of the most important lessons learned arising from this new understanding of innovation, and provides a framework of accountability for organisations engaged in technological research and development. The guidelines focus on supporting organisations to become more effective, while simultaneously ensuring that they adhere to ethical standards in their innovation. Working towards principles of accountability in the innovation process including engagement with external stakeholders, evaluation, and communicating with them, helps to ensure their ongoing cooperation, acceptance and productive use of often complex technological and scientific innovations beyond the narrow group of experts. Starting from a literature review, the paper presents a set of guidelines which are designed to assist a research manager reflect on their accountability. It provides options and principles, rooted in the literature, which can help them address the processes and consider organisational change. The briefing paper is accordingly split into three main parts. The first articulates a theory of accountability, distinguishing between accountability which serves an ethical purpose and accountability which makes an organisation more effective. The second covers the literature addressing the new understanding of innovation, and analyses it for the relevance to accountability. The third part offers a set of guidelines, structured around distinct processes common to most organisations – strategic planning, project identification and design, conducting the research, and then concluding the research process. Description: Briefing paper number 124 2010-02-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/49935 Title: Who do you work for? Establishing a better match between justifications of research and effective accountability to claimed beneficiaries Authors: Johnson, Carolina; Whitty, Brendan; Hammer, Michael Abstract: Evidence based policy making relies on sound research. Yet while the policy making processes are themselves increasingly under scrutiny, little work has been done so far on the accountability of the research organisations that significantly inform and influence public policy. This paper explores the accountability of research organisations from all sectors triggered by their claims to work on behalf of particular groups of beneficiaries, and the challenges to operationalise these in a way that is meaningful to the people eventually affected by the policy implications of the research. It finishes by challenging those organisations that claim to work on behalf of very widely defined, hard-to-identify or inaccessible constituencies to be more rigorous and transparent about the way they propose to engage with these groups. The aim of this work is to help address accountability gaps that may harm the legitimacy of important research and the validity of its results, reducing the overall impact and effectiveness of a wide range of research organisations, including from civil society, in the public policy process. Description: Working paper; Also available at: http://oneworldtrust.org/publications/doc_download/176-who-do-you-work-for 2008-05-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/49934 Title: Accountable lobbying of Parliament - A reaction to the Select Committee Report on Lobbying in Whitehall; supporting transparency and limiting opportunity for inappropriate lobbying Authors: Whitty, Brendan Description: Briefing paper number 115 2009-01-01T00:00:00Z http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca:80/dspace/handle/10625/49892 Title: Stretched in all directions: The demands, pulls and pressures acting on policy research organisations Authors: Whitty, Brendan Description: Working paper 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z