Lessons learned on consortium-based research in climate change and development
Collaborative research efforts are emerging as a way to effectively address complex challenges such as adapting to climate change. Collaborations that span geographic, disciplinary and sectoral boundaries represent a divergence from traditional research approaches that may require new ways of working. This study addresses a research gap related to conducting consortium-based research, offering benefits, lessons learned and emerging good practices for effective boundary-spanning approaches. This paper draws its evidence from a review of literature on collaborative research primarily in the areas of climate change and development, and a series of case studies of participants engaged in multi sited collaborations working on climate change adaptation and related development issues. While research consortia differ in their objectives and contexts, insights emerged through this study that can inform their overall design and management, under themes of knowledge co-creation, collaboration, and oversight of partnerships.