IDRC thrives, streamlines focus as donors step up to offset budget cuts

Four years after a major cut in government support, the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has ramped up its collaboration with large philanthropic organizations and struck bilateral accords, boosting projected donor contributions for FY-16-17 to an all-time high of $81.4 million.

The crown corporation has also moved to replenish its seriously depleted board of governors, filling all but two of the 14 positions with the remainder slated to be announced this fall (R$, June 23/16).

A new streamlined strategic plan (2015-2020) will see IDRC focus its resources on agriculture, technology and innovation and the inclusive economy, with an overriding emphasis on scaling up projects and greater alignment with foreign, trade, and development policy. A previous strategic thrust (global health) is been incorporated throughout the remaining priority areas.

Following the 2012 budget cutback, IDRC was handed responsibility for the $225-million Development Innovation Fund-Health, much of which was allocated to Grand Challenges Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and is now winding down. Discussions have begun with government on the potential for a second fund.

"Parliamentary appropriations have been slipping but through partnerships we've been able to stabilize our budget," says IDRC president Jean Lebel. "We focus on good innovation that can be delivered at high scale."

A good example is IDRC's support for the rapid development of a low-cost, innovative vaccine targeting various diseases affecting livestock. An initial vaccine is being tested in the field with the aim of commercialization. Developed in conjunction with researchers in Kenya, South Africa, the Univ of Alberta and the Univ of Saskatchewan, the project's multiple partners in Canada and emerging nations is indicative of IDRC's approach to innovative development work.

"We have 180 innovations being tested in the field and a vaccine about to be commercialized," says Lebel. "We're always seizing new opportunities to carry out policy."

IDRC's collaboration with the UK's Department for Intenerational Development, for example, stretches back 10 years in the areas of climate change adaptation and quality of life in urban communities.

IDRC is also a key contributor to the Think Tank Initiative (TTI), spearheaded by the Menlo Park CA-based William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and dedicated to bolstering the capacity of independent policy research institutions in the developing world.

Since its launch in 2008, the TTI has received more than US $200 million from its five donors and established 43 think tanks in 20 countries, allowing them to attract, retain and build local talent and develop independent research programs.

"We're building a strong cadre of think tanks globally to provide leadership on policy," says Lebel, "The focus is on good research, good innovation, strategic development and succession planning."

R$