Reverse Linkage

116 REVERSE LINKAGE Diagnostic and validation mission Upon the request of the government of the State of Kuwait, a combined diagnostic and validation mission was launched to engage in a peer-to-peer consultation process between experts from the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, Pakistan, and the KISR, facilitated by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The mission was able to ascertain the capacity gaps in halal product authentication and managed to fine-tune the project design, confirm the financing plan, and examine the implementation as well as the disbursement arrangements resulting in a joint formulation of an action plan, which was thoroughly reviewed by KISR, IsDB and ICCBS. The Reverse Linkage project The overall project objective is to develop the capacity of KISR to carry out halal authentication services as well as research and development in the field, utilising ICCBS expertise. Approach To achieve the project objective, a Reverse Linkage (RL) approach has been adopted with the following scheme: • ICCBS will be the provider of expertise and training in halal product authentication testing methods • KISR will be the recipient of the expertise. It will contrib- ute financially to the project in addition to its in-kind support through the facilitation of logistic arrangements in the country • IsDB will continue its connector and catalytic role, facil- itating project implementation by providing financial support, project management and technical oversight. Main activities • Establishment of halal authentication laboratory at KISR • Developing a critical mass of skilled professionals and researchers at KISR for carrying out halal authentication tests on food and non-food products • Initiating two joint projects between ICCBS and KISR in halal research, involving key personnel from both insti- tutions in the field of chemical and biological testing methods with improved sensitivity and specificity • Assisting KISR in obtaining ISO 17025 accreditation for the halal testing laboratory. Project duration The project will run for two years, from 2017 to 2019. Project management A joint coordination committee composed of representa- tives from the ICCBS, KISR and IsDB will be established. It will meet every six months to review the progress, compare results and propose corrective actions if needed. Knowledge management Lessons learnt from the implementation will be captured by interviewing the project team members, and direct benefi- ciaries such as the researchers who are being trained during the project. Partners’ views and perspectives on the RL modality, its benefits, advantages, and disadvantages, and lessons for the future will be documented during periodic reviews of the joint coordination committee. Results will also be captured and disseminated in a consumable format through human stories to reflect the difference this project is making to the lives of direct and indirect beneficiaries. The lessons learned will also be shared with internal stakeholders to compare best practices and provide an opportunity for collective learning and improv- ing future project design and implementation. Project benefit Upon project completion, a fully operational facility at KISR will be capable of carrying out halal authentication as well as research and development, contributing to the advancement of the detection of non-halal ingredients in food and non- food products in Kuwait and other GCC countries. Publications and intellectual property generated in the project will be beneficial to both ICCBS and KISR and will be jointly shared and owned. This an opportunity for IsDB in the promotion of human resources development in member countries and institutions through RL modality. The new gas chromatography mass spectrometry unit at KISR Image: KISR