Encouraging and capitalizing on innovation at IDRC

This paper analyzes how well the IDRC is able to encourage and capitalize on innovative activities. It uses a framework composed of criteria considered essential by research scientists for fostering innovation. Overall, Senior Management has created an environment characterized by freedom, a sense of challenge, and effective work groups; structural elements that deter creativity, such as turf battles, destructive criticism and internal competition are minimal. As an independent Crown Corporation, the level of bureaucracy is far lower than most government departments. The evaluation recommends reducing the number of countries where new projects are established, giving time for extant projects to reach successful outcomes