Evaluating International Collaboration

Led by Angela Bandemehr

The effectiveness of international voluntary participation and collaboration especially in conducing partnerships between groups like the EPA and other non-US countries. How can the design principles be applied externally and internally by various organizations? There are chances for the various groups represented in the session to use design principles externally with the UN and other organizations, as well as internally in the form of an accounting and evaluating process.

Question directed by the audience about beginning the discussion with other countries: Angela noted that there were various aspects, including corporate responsibility and the willingness/ desire to change traditional practices. Who participated? Government agencies or a major government NGOs, all of the stakeholders, corporations. How to stick to the goals devised in meetings? There was active resistance to following a set goal, however, the EPA was able to keep the collaboration focused despite the various areas of potential focus and discussion. In order to successfully achieve the goals, taking some risks is important, and some toes may need to be “stepped on.”

What were some risks and dilemmas that were encountered in the various partnerships? Animosity between some partners that wouldn’t traditionally collaborate with one another, issues of corruption and competition. Angela suggested that organizations looking to conduct international collaboration should consider having a third party evaluator, and that sometimes complications will arise naturally.