In the systems we operate within, who identifies problems? who identifies solutions? and how do these people mobilize the ones who have power and authority? In our research we find that leadership is about multi-agent groups and not single-agent autocrats. In this video, Matt Andrews, contrasts examples of anti-corruption reforms in Malawi and Botswana to…Continue Reading BSC Video 7: Understanding your Authorizing Environment
BSC Video 6: Understanding your Eco-system
The process of building state capability involves people, who are the ultimate complex phenomena; embedded within organizations, which are complex; and organizations are embedded in rules systems (e.g. institutions, cultures, norms), which are themselves complex. In this video, Michael Woolcock, highlights the fact that reforms do not take place in a vacuum. You can watch…Continue Reading BSC Video 6: Understanding your Eco-system
BSC Video 5: Typology of Tasks by Capability Intensity needed for Implementation
It is important when thinking about building state capability, to first ask, what is the “type of problem” you are trying to solve? In this video, Lant Pritchett, provides a framework to determine the capability required for implementing development projects. He begins by asking whether your task is transaction intensive, followed by whether it is…Continue Reading BSC Video 5: Typology of Tasks by Capability Intensity needed for Implementation
BSC Video 4: Capability for Policy Implementation
Policy implementation requires agents of organizations who are responsible for implementation, to do the right thing, at the right time, and in the right place. In this video, Lant Pritchett, uses an example of delivering the mail and issuing driver’s licenses to illustrate this point. You can watch the video below or on YouTube. If…Continue Reading BSC Video 4: Capability for Policy Implementation
BSC Video 3: Form ≠ Function
Development involves change, and change always happens within a context. The focus in development however, is on transplanting successes and adopting ambitious “best practice” modes of governance and public administration, which emphasize form (what organizations look like) and not function (what they actually do). This often provides the financing and legitimacy which allows continued dysfunction,…Continue Reading BSC Video 3: Form ≠ Function
BSC Video 2: Capability Trapped in a Big Stuck
In many nations today, the state has little capability to carry out basic functions like security, regulation or even core service delivery (health, education, water, etc). Enhancing this capability, especially in fragile states, is a long-term task. In this video, Lant Pritchett uses the example of Haiti and India to highlight administrative capability trapped in…Continue Reading BSC Video 2: Capability Trapped in a Big Stuck
BSC Video 1: Development as Four Fold Transformation
In order to better understand and respond to implementation failure, it is instructive to start with a big picture summary of what we think most people believe “development” to be. In this introduction video, Michael Woolcock discusses how a society undergoes a four fold transformation in its functional capacity to manage its economy, polity (political…Continue Reading BSC Video 1: Development as Four Fold Transformation
New Year, New Logo
Happy New Year! Building State Capability is the Center for International Development at Harvard University’s newest program. Since the inception, the team has published 13 UNU-WIDER working papers and made over 50 presentations around the globe. As we head into the second year, we are pleased to share our new logo with you – see…Continue Reading New Year, New Logo
Bridging the Capacity Gap in Burundi
written by Salimah Samji The knee jerk reaction to building capacity is to organize more training workshops. These are taught by experts and held in fancy locations, with free-flowing food and refreshments. The attendees often do not include the front line workers who are ultimately responsible for implementation. In some cases attendees do learn new…Continue Reading Bridging the Capacity Gap in Burundi
Untying Development
Yesterday, we hosted a one-day workshop entitled, Untying Development: Promoting Governance and Government with Impact. The day brought together different voices to discuss the challenge of creating a governance agenda that focuses on solving country-specific problems, involves local people through flexible and context-fitted processes, and emphasizes learning in the reform process. In the first session,…Continue Reading Untying Development