The Future of Development Research: Exploring the Nordic perspective(s)?
CONFERENCE: NFU is co-organising the conference with sister Nordic Development Research Associations, institutions and organisations. 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. Accordingly, proposals for joint Nordic panels and workshops are invited. Moreover engagement with colleagues from around the world and in particular the Global South is equally encouraged.
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 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. The organizers would like to encourage Nordic Development Researchers to engage with each other and with colleagues, practitioners and policy makers.
Expression of interest: Please send 1/2 - 1 A4 page of text indicating an interest to
-organise a particular workshop and/or panel discussion (in such case, please include the title of the panel/workshop, contact information of the panel/workshop coordinator and a short description of the overall theme or idea),
-take part in a workshop or panel organised by others,
-to write and present a paper,
-suggest (a) key note presenter(s) and/or other international scholars to invite
Expressions of interests are invited before 2 May 2011
Organising committee: Dag Hammarskjöld Foundation, Uppsala, Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, the Finnish Society for Development Research (FSDR), the Norwegian Association of Development Researchers (NFU), and the Association of Development Researchers in Denmark (FAU)
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