These include modeling problems related to representation of cross-scale effects, lack of data on key processes that are difficult to study, and confounding of factor effects in validation data. Experimental policies have been seen as too costly or risky. Research and management stakeholders see adaptive-policy development as a threat to existing research programs and management regimes, rather than as an opportunity for improvement. And finally proposals for experimental management regimes have exposed and highlighted some really fundamental conflicts in ecological values. The strengthening of capacity is a complex, problem-solving process, and one for which there is no single formula for success.
Many approaches can and have helped research institutions in the developing world gain momentum.
Just as there is no one formula for strengthening capacity, the assessment process itself must be robust enough to capture the emerging reality of capacity in development. In the process of documenting this framework to achieve this for IDRC, the authors surveyed recent literature on performance and capacity building and examined several models currently being used to evaluate research centres worldwide. Building the Links , Charles Sturt University, Albury, Australia. The authors observe that while AM holds promise for improving policy and management, we need to be clear about its limitations, applicability, supporting requirements, and the range of disciplines and stakeholders that need to be involved. Recommendations include developing stronger strategic frameworks to guide dissemination and seeking to incorporate dissemination throughout the project, rather than at project end.