Catalysing lessons learned

One of our primary goals is to collect and disseminate best practices and lessons learned. We do this for two reasons: firstly, for the benefit of our partner organisations; secondly, for national policy makers and the international development community in general. In this way, our knowledge sharing activities form part of our strategic approach to assist developing countries to realise national and locally owned sustainable development.

How it is done

Knowledge sharing activities and products tackle issues at both the national and international levels. They also address thematic interests. Activities are varied, and can include seminars, workshops, forming thematic communities of interest, producing newsletters and websites.

Across the board, the Internet further facilitates communication and collaboration in the knowledge sharing processes. The Internet is also used to distribute information and publications on lessons learned. The following sections introduce the different knowledge sharing levels and approaches.

National knowledge sharing

Realising that although plenty of opportunities for knowledge sharing existed at the international level, very few local or national equivalents existed, IICD initiated a local approach to knowledge sharing. The local approach focuses on providing country-specific support for local partners and other organisations involved in ICT for development activities in a country. Read more >>.

International knowledge sharing

IICD undertakes international knowledge sharing activities based on identified needs in our focal countries. We facilitate collaboration between international and national partners, bringing them together to exchange and distribute information. Those involved in this process have the chance to discuss challenges and lessons learned, and to learn from each other via live events, online fora and publications. Read more >>.

Online knowledge sharing

The Internet offers the opportunity to foster knowledge sharing which surpasses constraints such as geographical location, resources and time for travel. Online collaboration tools open up opportunities for new forms of knowledge sharing. For example, joining an online network can provide access to an abundant resource of individual experts. Online networks can also provide an efficient and effective way of accessing information.

IICD facilitates online discussions within Dgroup, a platform tailored to the needs of Southern development practitioners. We also work with other NGOs (non-governmental organisations) in joint ventures targeted towards the needs of Southern development practitioners. Read more >>.

Publications

We use the IICD Impact Series to share the results of research on impact with the international community. Publications in this series link theoretical insights with project practice.

In 2004, we published the first book on our ICT Roundtable process. In 2005, this was followed by our TiCBolivia Country Programme Impact book, and in 2006 our ICT for agricultural livelihoods impact book.

We support country-based research in our focal countries, centred on one of our priority themes or topics. Co-financing and sponsoring are the main ways in which we stimulate research in our focal countries.

See our publications.