The involvement of scientific actors in the context of multi-stakeholder partnerships is diverse and contributes significantly to the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In cooperation with other actors from government, the private sector and civil society, common goals are effectively implemented.
A multi-stakeholder partnership (MSPs) is defined as a partnership in which actors from at least three social sectors work together on an equal footing in a long-term and organised manner to make a contribution to the common good. Actors from the scientific community include universities, independent institutes and think tanks.
Within MSPs, the actors can benefit from the collaboration in various ways. Scientific actors primarily contribute to the work of MSPs by providing knowledge. At the same time, they benefit from testing and further developing knowledge in practice.
Finally, research into MSPs, its working methods and its effects is a relevant topic for various scientific disciplines. The approach of a collaborative research project (‘action research’) is ideal for this purpose.
Example: Knowledge building for MSPs: “Action Research” by Partnerships2030 and the Partnerships Resource Centre (PrC) with several MSPs
With the aim of developing applicable knowledge on impact monitoring, improvement and communication, Partnerships2030 and the Partnerships Resource Centre (PrC) conducted a collaborative research project with nine MSPs between 2020 and 2022. The participating MSPs were guided through a two-phase learning process. While the first phase focused on developing a better understanding of the impact of MSPs in general, the second phase focused on the concrete recording and measurement of impacts at the partnership level. At the same time, the participating MSPs received active support in improving their monitoring and recording of their impacts.