North–South research collaborations: An empirical evaluation against principles of transboundary research

Abstract

Motivation Transboundary research collaborations (TRCs) are critical in supporting evidence‐based actions to address complex global issues, yet there remains a lack of empirical knowledge that would detail how TRCs are organized, how activities are facilitated, and how actors interact. Purpose We address this knowledge gap by evaluating a North–South TRC against the 11 principles for TRCs defined by the Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries (KFPE). Methods and approach Using personal accounts, content analysis, and semi‐structured interviews/surveys, our evaluation casts light on how the process of running a TRC in the 21st century is enacted from the perspective of the individual. Findings Our results and discussion provide the basis for a more probing and systematic case for and against contemporary TRCs, their underlying value structures and ways of working, as well as the dimensions that are lacking. Policy implications Evaluation of TRCs must include the experience of all the actors involved in the TRC and not only the outcomes they produce; transdisciplinarity cannot be viewed as the only way to solve general development issues, but must be carefully considered in order not to mask underlying issues of inequality and poor ethics; and the ring‐fencing of funding for a specific purpose or TRC does not negate the need to scrutinize the activities that are undertaken in the name of the TRC.

An organizing framework to break down Western-centric views of knowledge in North–South research

“…Global challenges, such as climate change, lack a single unified solution and also cannot be resolved from one viewpoint or approach (Kapucu and Beaudet 2020 ; Lodge and Wegrich 2014 ; Walls 2018 ). These societal, environmental, and economic challenges cross scientific disciplines, communities, and countries; thus, interdisciplinary North–South solutions are required to tackle these seemingly impossible tasks (Australian Public Service Commission 2018 ; Commission for Research Partnerships with Developing Countries [KFPE] 2018 ; Dentoni et al 2018 ; Kotze and Dymitrow 2021 ; Lodge and Wegrich 2014 ).…”

“…Although diverse epistemologies (ways of knowing) are the reality of interdisciplinary research, most South–North research has been conducted on “others”—by and for Western benefit—under the assumption that there is a knowable reality to be extracted (Gone 2018 ; Kotze and Dymitrow 2021 ; Schmidt and Pröpper 2017 ; Windchief et al 2017 ). Euro-American-centric perspectives have led to the dominance of Western knowledge and resulted in the misrepresentation of other cultural ways of knowing (Brandt et al 2013 ).…”

“…Euro-American-centric perspectives have led to the dominance of Western knowledge and resulted in the misrepresentation of other cultural ways of knowing (Brandt et al 2013 ). The perceived universality of Western knowledge limits the exploration, collaboration, and recognition of diverse viewpoints—the cornerstone of interdisciplinary research (Anthony-Stevens and Matsaw 2019 ; Brandt et al 2013 ; Hopkins et al 2019 ; KFPE 2018 ; Kotze and Dymitrow 2021 ; Lodge and Wegrich 2014 ; O’Flaherty et al 2008 ; R’boul 2020 ; Sastry and Ramasubramanian 2020 ; Schmidt and Pröpper 2017 ; Smith 2012 ; Windchief et al 2017 ). Ways of knowing encompasses diverse methods and avenues through which individuals acquire knowledge and understand the world, including work, experience, and time (Harris 2007 ).…”

“…However, effective knowledge co-construction involves more than equal opportunity, it requires deconstruction of researcher positionality (Anthony-Stevens and Matsaw 2019 ; Bozhkov et al 2020 ), and dismantling the conscious and subconscious ways in which knowledge is generated (Adams et al 2017 ; LaVallie and Sasakamoose 2021 ; Lipscombe et al 2021 ; Zurba et al 2019 ). Insufficient articulation of how to deconstruct and incorporate diverse ways of knowing perpetuates Western knowledge constructs (Kotze and Dymitrow 2021 ; Schmidt and Pröpper 2017 ), hindering effective collaboration with knowledge partners and representation of diverse knowledge systems.…”

“…The complexity of global problems necessitates intentional efforts to decolonize research and incorporate diverse ways of knowing (Jentsch 2004 ; Kotze and Dymitrow 2021 ). Knowledge production is context dependent, i.e., it depends on individual, social, and environmental contexts (Anthony-Stevens and Matsaw 2019 ; Hall and Callery 2001 ; Spretnak 2011 ).…”