Situated in Gaborone Botswana, we are a group of some 20 research staff many still in training abroad. For more information, have a look at our web-site. The moderator has put together a compact and clear set of questions that I think are all important. There are all sorts of networks within the development research community. The new attempt is valuable because it, so to say, spans the world and helps facilitate contacts between institutions and people that otherwise would not make contact.
Sharing is a wonderful word.
Trading is a much harsher word, but if I give my knowledge, research and ideas to someone, I believe I have the right to expect some kind of quid pro quo. For the GDN to realise its enormous potential in the long run it is important to handle the problem of free riders. GDN has by and large taken an institutional approach. It may be important to stress that it is people rather than institutions that do research. Without excellence in people, no institutional excellence.