The Association of Development Researchers in Denmark (FAU)

Joint Nordic Conference, 24-25 November, 2011:

The Future of Development Research: Exploring the Nordic Perspective(s)?

Jointly arranged by the Nordic Development Research Associations, institutions and organisations
Venue: Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Copenhagen

Register for the conference here

View the Conference flyer here


The Future of Development Research: Exploring the Nordic Perspective(s)?
The Nordic countries have in different ways impacted on Development Policy, Aid and
 Research. The Nordic model(s) emphasising social policies, the key role of public
 governance and the fight against poverty and inequalities are by some seen as prominent
 perspectives alongside e.g. the Washington Consensus. Nevertheless, the foot prints on
 the  global agenda have been modest. Additionally, the complexity and challenges of
 development issues keep growing, including financial crises, climate and growing
 inequalities. The need for timely, relevant, critical and stimulating research is as big as
 ever. What can the Nordic perspective(s) contribute with? First, there is need to take a
 step back and investigate the Nordic approach(es) more closely. What are the
 similarities - and what are the differences? Second, there is a need to discuss the Nordic
 Development Research vis-a-vis global Development Research. What are the trends?
 Who are setting the directions? Where is the renewal needed to respond to the present
 challenges?

On the one hand, the field of Development Research has been able to respond
 continuously to the new challenges over the last 50 years, producing stimulating and
 thought provoking research (new approaches, new methodologies, new theories,
 extending both mono- and cross/inter disciplinary areas of study and innovate ways of
 publication and dissemination). On the other hand, as the field of Development Studies
 is becoming increasing broader - and more fragmented - (e.g. including studies of youth,
 climate change and fragile states to mention a few issues) and as funding agencies and
 publics at large increase their demands for 'relevance' of Development Research, the
 future is by no means certain. Renewal is pertinent and needed.

We would like to encourage Nordic Development Researchers to engage with each
 other and with colleagues, practitioners and policy makers. Emphasis should be on
 exploring what was/is/will be (a) Nordic perspective(s), what common research
 approaches (whether theoretical, methodological, epistemological, or ethical etc) do
 exist - if they exist? And do we have common perspectives on development policy and
 aid - or not? And whether (increased) joint Nordic initiatives have merit in relation to
 emphasis on EU and Global research environments? How do our Southern research
 partners perceive the Nordic perspective(s)? We encourage all disciplines whether
 economic, political, social, geographic, cultural address pertinent topics whether
 migration, economic development, political culture, labour geography, youth, health,
 private sector development, poverty reduction etc, etc. The conference seeks to make
 the 'case' for joint Nordic research in terms of substance areas, methodology, theory,
 relevance etc and hereby contribute to further expansion of such collaboration.
 

Keynote speakers:

• Aili Mari Tripp
  Political Science and Gender & Women's Studies
  Department of Political Science
  University of Wisconsin-Madison
  Webpage
   

• Shalini Randeria
  Currently Fellow, Lichtenberg-Kolleg, University of Goettingen
  Professor, Ethnologisches Seminar
  Universitaet Zuerich
  Webpage
   

• Carlos Lopes
  UN Assistant Secretary-General, UNITAR Executive Director
  Webpage
   

• Thandika Mkandawire (tbc)
  Professor of African Development
  Department of International Development (ID)
  The London School of Economics and Political Science
  Webpage

Panel sessions on Nordic Development research collaboration:
Please refer to the programme for further information

• Taking Stock of Nordic Development Research
  Link to NORAD's evaluation report - 'Evaluation of Research on
  Norwegian Development Assistance'
   

• Nordic Development research collaboration – Importance to
  Policy in a Globalised World
  
   

Collaboratory events:

• EADI-EXCO meeting 24 November at CBS

• Forum for Development Studies, Reception 24 November 5-6 pm at CBS
  (see programme)
  
   

The joint Nordic Conference is supported by Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Norsk Forsknings råd