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R12


Breaking the mould: seeking equity through reforging mechanisms for 'North-South' research collaborations 
Convenors:
Mohammed Ibrahim (University of Manchester)
Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai (University of Ghana Business School)
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Chair:
Sam Hickey (University of Manchester)
Discussants:
Eyob Balcha Gebremariam (University of Bristol)
Peter Taylor (Institute of Development Studies)
Katarzyna Cieslik (University of Manchester)
Justice Bawole (University of Ghana Business School)
Format:
Roundtable

Short Abstract:

The complex and interwoven crises of today’s world demand evidence-based policies rooted in genuine research collaboration.This roundtable will facilitate a critical and constructive dialogue on the rhetoric and reality of designing and using mechanisms to promote equity in North-South partnerships.

Long Abstract:

Recent years have seen growing advocacy for decolonising development and academia, promoting epistemic inclusivity, and fostering North-South partnerships grounded in equity and mutual respect. Many global South actors have called for a shift away from “equitable partnerships” to promoting equity more widely in global research ecosystems. In response, numerous mechanisms, including partnership agreements have been signed between institutions in the ‘global North’ and the ‘global South’. Questions remain as to whether these agreements have led to meaningful outcomes or perpetuate older models of intellectual extraction and the instrumentalisation of Southern contexts for data collection and pre-conceived interventions.

This roundtable brings together academics from the 'global North' and 'South' to share experiences and insights on how to achieve a truly equitable and power-aware transformation of global research ecosystems ‘equitable partnerships’ from aspiration to practice. Key questions to be addressed include:

● To what extent do current collaborative mechanisms entrench extractive patterns in research collaborations between 'global North' and 'global South' researchers, and how can we dismantle these?

● Can we envision transformative collaborative mechanisms to replace the current system? If so, what will the challenges and key features be?

● What alternative or improved mechanisms are necessary to establish partnerships and collaboration that prioritise inclusivity, sustainability, mutual recognition, and co-creation?

By tackling these questions, the session will explore the power dynamics shaping research agendas, inform ongoing debate over whether equitable partnerships are the best entry point for achieving greater equity within the global development research ecosystem, and offer practical alternatives.


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