Innovations and Intermediaries / Innovations et intermédiaires

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    Linking knowledge to innovation in government services: the case of solid waste services in local government in Sri Lanka (K2I Project)
    (LIRNEasia, Sri Lanka, 2011-07) Gamage, Sujata N.
    The objective of the action research project was to identify cost-effective and sustainable means of developing a Web of knowledge–based interactions that link any given local authority to (a) peer community (b) a knowledge community, or (c) civil society, and explore if and how such connectedness may lead to improved performance in solid waste management. We also wished to apply the concept of an innovation system to the Web of interactions so formed in order to illuminate the concept further. Using an action research methodology we have been able to elucidate that competency standards, and training and certification processes can sustain practitioner networks for cooperation in knowledge sharing in local government, and that, such practitioner networks need to be coupled with tools such as ranking surveys that create a competitive environment in the sector. Facilitating linkages between local authorities and universities or civil society groups proved to be difficult. Some possible reasons are explored.
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    Gender and Innovation Knowledge and Communication Platform
    (2011-05)
    The presentation provides information about the inception of an online platform/website for knowledge sharing and dialogue that supports the Gender and Innovation programme. Partners and ongoing projects are enumerated, with an outline of how the programme will function, along with possibilities for website design.
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    Gender innovation and water : minimum agenda for plugging the hole
    (lnstitute of Envonmental and Water Studies (IEWS), Birzeit University (BZU), Birzeit, West Bank, PS, 2011)
    This bulletin advocates for institutional uptake and increased capacity in effective gender representation, as an innovation approach, and as part of systems of innovation in water laws, policies and projects. It presents means of inclusion within the environmental projects cycle of design and implementation, where gender perspectives can be taken seriously. Women's work and innovative capabilities are too often invisible and unrecognized, and their innovative practices are not given necessary attention by planners.
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    Gender and Innovation a Cross cutting program theme : Innovation Technology and Society; IDRC, January 12, 13 and 14, 2009
    (IDRC, Ottawa, ON, CA, 2009) Ravichandran, Veena
    The role of women in innovation processes and the impacts on their lives are not well understood. This PowerPoint presentation focuses on questions that address gender imbalance in research, and introduces the Gender and Innovation program launch, which entails eight different country perspectives on gender and innovation in different sectors; agricultural innovation and technology; technology and innovation in water resource management; livelihoods and enterprises; and governance and decision making. It asks “Individually and collectively, what lessons can be learnt for policy and institutional changes through innovations that are more inclusive of gender perspectives?”
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    Entrepreneurship and Skills Development through School-based Enterprises : Has it worked for women?; Panel Discussion on “Gender and Entrepreneurship - Exploring the Potential of Self Sufficient schools as a model of Entrepreneurship, Skills Development and Income Generation”
    (LEAD Pakistan, Islamabad, PK, 2010-09) Nisar Bhutta, Gulnaz
    LEAD Pakistan is a think tank, inspiring sustainable development across diverse sectors, with a focus on environment, climate change and development issues. This report provides an update on LEAD initiatives in education with a brief review of panel discussions regarding business development training.
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    Entrepreneurship and Skills Development through School-Based Enterprises : Has it worked for women?; Workshop on Self-sufficient schools - a new model of entrepreneurship, skills development and income generation’
    (LEAD Pakistan, Islamabad, PK, 2010-09) Nisar Bhutta, Gulnaz
    In many developing countries, including Pakistan, Technical and Vocational Education (TVET) is under-valued, under-prioritised and therefore under-funded, leaving little room for institutes to experiment with new methodologies for design and delivery of training. LEAD Pakistan is conducting research on a ‘self-sufficient’ school model, and to identify potential partners to develop a business plan. After learning about successes in Paraguay, workshops were held in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad with invited stakeholders and possible partners to discuss facilitation of the school-based enterprise model of education.
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    Gender and the Agricultural Innovation System in Rural Afghanistan: Barriers and Bridges
    (2011-08) Parto, Saeed
    The presentation outlines research that examined gender dynamics in order to identify the impediments to greater involvement of women in a full range of production from farm to market. The study mapped the agricultural innovation system in three value chains: Grape/Raisin, Almond, and Saffron production. The larger technical report “Gender and the agricultural innovation system in rural Afghanistan; barriers and bridges” can be found here http://hdl.handle.net/10625/49027
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    Support for research and communication capacity building of the project team "Traditional science, technology and innovation systems in the context of modern incubator research development agency"
    (2012)
    The consultant reviews the project, which aims to provide an understanding on the mechanism of innovation in traditional knowledge systems. The principal investigator was found to be enthusiastic and self-driven with a clear understanding of the need to deepen and extend report-writing capabilities. Based on the assessment of problem areas, a workshop weekend provided for strengthening of the report from an innovation systems perspective. The team was focused and receptive, and much work related to revision and research capacity building was accomplished. This consultant’s report provides a detailed overview of a successful approach to capacity building.
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    Traditional science, technology and innovation systems in the context of a modern incubator research and development agency
    (Uganda Industrial Research Institute, 2011)
    The study assesses the micro-dynamics of traditional science, technology and innovation (STI), and links to economic growth in three districts of Uganda: Arua, Kabale, and Kamuli. Specific problems affecting Indigenous STI cannot be tackled within existing innovation systems paradigms. The Indigenous STI is critically detached from mainstream innovation systems; to the extent that examples given in formal instruction at all levels are extraneous to the Indigenous STI social, economic and cultural context. Inquiry was conducted into what kind of systems paradigm is likely to prove fruitful in this domain.
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    Traditional science, technology and innovation in the context of a modern incubator research and development agency : strengthening linkages between traditional and modern knowledge systems for social inclusion
    (2012)
    An innovation systems perspective can provide a mechanism for understanding how traditional and modern knowledge might be integrated in order to address social inclusion of marginalized populations. The research discusses innovation systems and develops a framework for analysis through case studies. Three districts in Uganda were selected: Arua in North West; Kabale in the South West; and Kamuli in the East. Knowledge systems are described to highlight some contexts for innovation. Mainstream academic and research and development (R&D) systems are not aligned with women’s innovation and Indigenous knowledge systems in terms of timing, access to professional support, and communication.
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    Involvement and Influence of Women in Innovation Processes within Intergrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) projects : technical report
    (Birzeit University, Institute of Environmental and Water Studies, 2011)
    Women’s involvement, influence, and innovative know-how in relation to water management were under investigation in this project, at the level of conservation, environmental institutions, and community. The research aimed to strengthen influence and involvement of Palestinian women as innovators, decision makers, and executives within the water sector, and to clarify the current status of gender and innovation within Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM). This meant also providing decision makers and professionals with capacity building training programs on concepts of gender-innovation.
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    Entrepreneurship and skills development through school-based enterprises : has it worked for women?
    (LEAD Pakistan, 2011)
    This report details the findings of the Leadership for Environment and Development (LEAD Pakistan) study into school-based enterprises. Women entrepreneurs are contributors largely to the informal economy, unable to move ahead. A major obstacle remains lack of relevant skills, both vocational and entrepreneurial. Evidence from the field research in Paraguay and consultations with stakeholders in Pakistan clearly point to the strength of the model of school-based enterprises or self-sufficient schools. LEAD undertook research in Paraguay, to learn how successful school-based enterprises embed entrepreneurship education into technical and vocational education and training (TVET) courses.
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    Darshna Mahila Kalyan Samiti (DMKS) : case study
    (Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Development Alternatives
    The Darshna Mahila Kalyan Samiti (DMKS) started a training programme for master masons in Bamari Village, Chattarpur district, under the Poorest Area Civil Society Programme (PACs). They also mobilized women to take up training in constructing habitat products such as roofing tiles, fencing poles and cement pots. Since agricultural labour is seasonal and rarely meets their basic needs, the work provides a regular income throughout the year. DMKS staff say the women are more efficient in marketing and sales than their male counterparts, are extremely aware of the rates, and never get fleeced. Limited supply of electricity is a major problem.
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    Mutually reinforcing role of women in habitat based livelihood services : researching the case of India
    (Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Niazi, Zeenat; Srivastava, Alka; Chopra, Vrinda
    Rural women working as skilled workers in the habitat and construction sector are a relatively new phenomenon. This report provides details of the project which included organisations: The Barefoot College, The Jeevapoorna Women Masons Society (JEEWOMS), SEWA Nirman, Tilothu Mahila Mandal (TMM), Darshna Mahila Kalyan Samiti (DMKS), Costford and Archana Women’s Society. Women tend to work within their local communities, contributing to local economic development. Analysis of the local situation in Kerala indicates that women masons are able to bridge the gap left by male masons who migrate to the gulf for construction work.
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    Tilothu Mahila Mandal – Nirmiti Kendra : case study
    (Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Development Alternatives
    The Tilothu Mahila Mandal (TMM) runs a school, college, hospital, and several micro-entrepreneurship initiatives. Among the entrepreneurship models is the building centre, the TMM Nimriti Kendra where both men and women are trained together, leading and working on several habitat and construction jobs. The centre has trained over 120 women from Tilothu and neighbouring villages. Women working in the centre feel there is no difference in the quality or quantity of their work when compared to men. They do feel that men tend to quarrel a lot amongst themselves, which in turn affects the general morale of all the workers.
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    Jeevapoorna Women Masons Society (JEEWOMS) : case study
    (Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Development Alternatives
    Many women masons take up work in construction due to dire need, as their husbands are unsupportive or missing altogether. The Jeevapoorna Women Masons Society trains women in masonry. Initially they were taught latrine construction, then cement block making, and then house construction. 1300 women have been trained in the Thrissur district. The major innovative approach of the society was the recognition of men and women as equals. Due to an increase in the women masons’ incomes, their children are not forced into labour and can go to school. Another by-product of the training is an enhanced level of confidence.
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    Barefoot College : case study
    (Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Development Alternatives
    Training has been provided in habitat services to 15,000 women in solar engineering, mechanical repair and fabrication (such as hand pump mechanics), solar cooker engineering, and masonry. Women generally work in groups, which helps them support each other. Men are included in courses, but once skilled tend to migrate to cities. Support from the women’s husbands and family is mostly in the form of allowing them to do the work without neglecting household chores. Women show immense capability and determination to learn; they realize the importance of quality, and their work is often superior to men’s production. Corruption at governance levels is a continuing problem.
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    Exploring the Potential of Rural Women in Habitat Services, 13th May 2011, Willow Room, Habitat Centre, New Delhi
    (Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Development Alternatives
    This brief describes objectives of Development Alternatives (DA) to highlight the potential innovation and contributions of women to habitat services and the construction sector. The workshop aims to share the findings of the study on women as skilled workers and arrive at consensus on a dissemination strategy for influencing future policy. It is part of the larger project “Mutually Reinforcing Role of Women in Livelihood Services: Researching the case of India.”
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    Gender and Innovation Knowledge and Communication Platform (GIKCP) : final technical report
    (Society for Development Alternatives, New Delhi, IN, 2011) Banerjee, Mitu; Nandy, Priyanka; Roy, Priyanka
    A key objective of the Gender and Innovation platform is to disseminate knowledge on the subject of innovation by and for women. It captures research on, and examples of, innovative activities whose relevance is determined through evaluations of their impact, outreach, and range of potential effects. This report outlines themes developed from the platform such as science and technology; basic needs; livelihoods; entrepreneurship; media and culture. It also reports on the web portal design and implementation, as well as the Gender and Innovation Newsletter, “Imagine.”