TTI ROUNDTABLE ON STRENGTHENING RESEARCH QUALITY FOR POLICY ENGAGEMENT IN AFRICA Strengthening Research Quality for Policy Engagement: Key Capacity Needs By Dr. Ebere Uneze

Introduction  Primarily, think tanks (TTs); o Conduct evidence-based research o Use the research outputs to inform and influence policy  Capacity needs vary along TTs priorities – i.e. more of advocacy or more of research?

In what areas do TTs need capacities? CSEA’s experience with:  Strengthening/Sustaining research quality for effective policy engagement

What are the key capacity needs (1)? Strengthening/Sustaining Research quality  key needs o Recruit/retain highly skilled researchers and experts o Build/improve the capacity of researchers – trainings on research skills, methods and leadership o Access to improved research facilities and information technology infrastructure o Support for collaborative activities and knowledge sharing – conferences, internal seminars, fellowships and exchange programs

What are the key capacity needs (2)? Strengthening/Sustaining Research quality  Key needs o Train researchers on key aspects of policy engagement communication (messaging, packaging etc) o Build synergy between research and communications staff o Stable management

What are the major challenges?  Funding constraints: o To recruit and retain high quality research staff o To facilitate trainings for research staff and support conference participations(especially abroad)  Weak linkage with Universities and other research institutions

What have we done (1)?  Explore additional funding opportunities  Mentor younger researchers  Harness/increase learning opportunities with domestic and international TTIs

What have we done (2)?  Identify and engage in exchange programs (e.g. Harvard University & University of Birmingham)  Introduce fellowship program  Organize policy engagement and learning events – policy dialogues, roundtables and research seminars

What more can be done?  More funding o To alleviate operational and research constraints  More capacity building programs o Well structured and targeted programs – for example, the TTIPEC capacity building program  Fostering more collaboration and Learning with TTs and Universities o Collaborative research on common areas of interest

Thank you for listening…