Developing Capacity Through Technical Cooperation

Technical co-operation involving northern experts transferring expertise to the south has not always worked. This study uses a range of country studies to analyze what has worked in the past, what hasn't, and how to ensure that future co-operation results in genuine capacity building and ownership of the capabilities by the recipients. Technical co-operation involving northern experts transferring expertise to the south has not always worked. In fact it has sometimes been counter-productive, fostering a dependency on outside help rather than creating a genuine indigenous capability. This study by experts from Harvard University and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) uses a range of country studies to analyze what has worked in the past, what hasn't, and how to ensure that future co-operation results in genuine capacity building and ownership of the new capabilities by the recipients. It aims to offer a framework for evaluating different methods to achieve these goals. The volume is a companion to the earlier Capacity for Development, and should be useful for all those working in international development, as well as researchers, academics and students.

Technical co-operation involving northern experts transferring expertise to the south has not always worked. In fact it has sometimes been counter-productive, fostering a dependency on outside help rather than creating a genuine indigenous capability. This study by experts from Harvard University and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) uses a range of country studies to analyze what has worked in the past, what hasn't, and how to ensure that future co-operation results in genuine capacity building and ownership of the new capabilities by the recipients. It aims to offer a framework for evaluating different methods to achieve these goals. The volume is a companion to the earlier Capacity for Development, and should be useful for all those working in international development, as well as researchers, academics and students.