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Paper short abstract:

This paper proposes a reorientation of debates on equitable research partnerships towards a focus on how power-aware collaborations can drive systemic change for sustainable development. It outlines avenues for knowledge ecosystem change and potential practical actions within and across partnerships

Paper long abstract:

The “equitable partnerships” agenda, a current preoccupation amongst many “northern” institutions and actors who participate in a wider knowledge ecosystem, aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of research projects, coupled with a moral imperative to decolonize “northern” research practices. Positive actions are being observed in the form of localization, numerous principles and guidelines on equitable partnerships, and an emphasis on open dialogue. Even though momentum is clearly building around this agenda amongst northern actors, it is difficult to see real changes in practices. Many researchers in the global South highlight a lack of accountability amongst key northern research actors towards working intentionally to shift power relations. A project led by Southern Voice, with the Institute of Development Studies (UK), indicates that a focus on equitable partnerships has limited resonance with global South researchers since partnerships often perpetuate, rather than mitigate, the dynamics of the structures in which they operate. This paper shares key findings from the study which has involved extensive engagements with both northern and southern stakeholders, and proposes a reorientation of current debates on equitable partnerships towards a focus on the purpose of research collaborations. Southern-led research that contributes to more equitable, sustainable development outcomes should then be grounded in authentic, power-aware research partnerships. The paper outlines potential avenues for moving beyond north-south binaries by influencing the wider knowledge ecosystem within which development research takes place, and offers opportunities for practical action relating to academic, publishing and funding sub-systems.