Revealing the relational mechanisms of research for development through social network analysis

Apgar, Marina, Fournie, Guillaume, Haesler, Barbara, Higdon, Grace Lyn, Kenny, Leah ORCID: 0000-0003-0297-1276, Oppel, Annalena ORCID: 0000-0002-7603-0551, Pauls, Evelyn, Smith, Matthew, Snijder, Mieke, Vink, Daan and Hossain, Mazeda ORCID: 0000-0002-1878-8145 (2023) Revealing the relational mechanisms of research for development through social network analysis. European Journal of Development Research, 35 (2). 323 - 350. ISSN 0957-8811

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Abstract

Achieving impact through research for development programmes (R4D) requires engagement with diverse stakeholders across the research, development and policy divides. Understanding how such programmes support the emergence of outcomes, therefore, requires a focus on the relational aspects of engagement and collaboration. Increasingly, evaluation of large research collaborations is employing social network analysis (SNA), making use of its relational view of causation. In this paper, we use three applications of SNA within similar large R4D programmes, through our work within evaluation of three Interidsiplinary Hubs of the Global Challenges Research Fund, to explore its potential as an evaluation method. Our comparative analysis shows that SNA can uncover the structural dimensions of interactions within R4D programmes and enable learning about how networks evolve through time. We reflect on common challenges across the cases including navigating different forms of bias that result from incomplete network data, multiple interpretations across scales, and the challenges of making causal inference and related ethical dilemmas. We conclude with lessons on the methodological and operational dimensions of using SNA within monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems that aim to support both learning and accountability.

Item Type:	Article
Official URL:	https://www.palgrave.com/gp/journal/41287
Additional Information:	© 2023 The Authors
Divisions:	IGA: Centre for Women Peace and Security Sociology
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > H Social Sciences (General)
Date Deposited:	16 Feb 2023 00:21
Last Modified:	20 Dec 2024 00:47
URI:	http://eprints.lse.ac.uk/id/eprint/118185

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