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Box 14.2 International Research Platform Model: The Agadir
Platform—Source: The Authors
In October 2018, during RISZA’s international event “Observando juntos al
desierto desde multiples miradas” in the Mapimi biosphere reserve of Mexico,
a collective brainstorming session took place with the goal to define a common model for an international scientific platform, namely the Agadir
Platform. Figure 14.1 illustrates the final diagram with its various concepts,
tasks, and items, and their relationships to the implementation and operation
of the platform. In this framework, three main caveats to implementation were
identified, respectively, relating to: (1) governance, (2) support structures, and
(3) data availability.
1. Governance models in such partnerships can take on various shapes.
Although it is doubtful that one single framework will be suited to the full
gamut of activities, the brainstorming session was an attempt to better
understand how research on global challenges can be optimally organized.
One of the conclusions was that such research infrastructure projects
would tremendously benefit from a more diverse interest-base, involving
also government representatives, NGOs, civil society, indigenous groups,
especially marginalized communities. This, in turn, should foster flexibility in governance structures, though the influence of research and innovation in the private sector ought not to be neglected. The priority when
identifying a governance model for the Agadir Platform was to find a structure in which scientific expertise, social innovation, industrial strengths
and interests, and political objectives would converge to strengthen collective engagement. The main purpose of this exercise was to provide solutions to the peculiar challenges of arid and semiarid socio-ecological
systems in order to define inclusive sustainable development trajectories.
2. As part of the project, four pillars (criteria) to its development and implementation were delineated. Firstly, political support. Here, the opening
contention was that national governments must continue to invest in
research and partnerships so as to avail themselves of new sources of innovation and growth, thereby maintaining vital connections in the global
research landscape. Political support enhances a country’s ability to assimilate scientific developments as per its national interest. International activities and collaboration should play a key role in national scientific and
innovation strategies, so that countries are poised to benefit from the intellectual and financial leverage. Secondly, varied incentive models, such as
innovative research agendas and strategic planning, advocacy and outreach, and collaborative membership, will add to the platform’s social
capital. The challenge for governments, scientists, civil society, and the
other entities involved will be to make the most of global science: how to
(continued)
A. Rizzo et al.
Box 14.2 International Research Platform Model: The Agadir
Platform—Source: The Authors
In October 2018, during RISZA’s international event “Observando juntos al
desierto desde multiples miradas” in the Mapimi biosphere reserve of Mexico,
a collective brainstorming session took place with the goal to define a common model for an international scientific platform, namely the Agadir
Platform. Figure 14.1 illustrates the final diagram with its various concepts,
tasks, and items, and their relationships to the implementation and operation
of the platform. In this framework, three main caveats to implementation were
identified, respectively, relating to: (1) governance, (2) support structures, and
(3) data availability.
1. Governance models in such partnerships can take on various shapes.
Although it is doubtful that one single framework will be suited to the full
gamut of activities, the brainstorming session was an attempt to better
understand how research on global challenges can be optimally organized.
One of the conclusions was that such research infrastructure projects
would tremendously benefit from a more diverse interest-base, involving
also government representatives, NGOs, civil society, indigenous groups,
especially marginalized communities. This, in turn, should foster flexibility in governance structures, though the influence of research and innovation in the private sector ought not to be neglected. The priority when
identifying a governance model for the Agadir Platform was to find a structure in which scientific expertise, social innovation, industrial strengths
and interests, and political objectives would converge to strengthen collective engagement. The main purpose of this exercise was to provide solutions to the peculiar challenges of arid and semiarid socio-ecological
systems in order to define inclusive sustainable development trajectories.
2. As part of the project, four pillars (criteria) to its development and implementation were delineated. Firstly, political support. Here, the opening
contention was that national governments must continue to invest in
research and partnerships so as to avail themselves of new sources of innovation and growth, thereby maintaining vital connections in the global
research landscape. Political support enhances a country’s ability to assimilate scientific developments as per its national interest. International activities and collaboration should play a key role in national scientific and
innovation strategies, so that countries are poised to benefit from the intellectual and financial leverage. Secondly, varied incentive models, such as
innovative research agendas and strategic planning, advocacy and outreach, and collaborative membership, will add to the platform’s social
capital. The challenge for governments, scientists, civil society, and the
other entities involved will be to make the most of global science: how to
(continued)
A. Rizzo et al.