Reverse Linkage

10 REVERSE LINKAGE IsDB, with the Statistical Economic and Social Research and Training Centre, Islamic Countries (SESRIC) have jointly developed this mapping methodology. It consists of the following steps: choosing the areas of the country’s comparative advantage; identifying a long list of candi- date RCs through desk research and contact with relevant authorities in the country; collecting specific data from the RCs through a comprehensive questionnaire; assessing the collected data based on a specific scoring scheme and shortlisting the top performers; preparing concise profiles of shortlisted RCs; and finally publishing the RCs’ profiles. Each profile includes information on areas of intervention and sector, human resources, principal activities, areas of expertise, achievements and international cooperation; along with the contact information. The mapping methodology is applied hand-in-hand with each member country in order to ensure ownership and utilise the local country knowledge. IsDB oversees only the process that is carried out by a national institution identified in collaboration with the relevant government authority. Furthermore, in order to undertake a robust final selection of RCs, assessment and scoring is carried out by an inde- pendent institution. All collected information on the RCs is published in a country-based specific report and made available on a geo-mapping system. This system takes advantage of the efficiency and flexibility provided by geographical infor- mation systems in combining and presenting spatial and textual information. The system’s key features include displaying the locations of RCs; filtering the RCs by region, country or sector; displaying either the basic information or a complete profile of an RC; adding feedback on an RC; and proposing the addition of new RCs. Sustaining the achievements So far, IsDB has mapped more than 100 RCs in Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey and other member countries. The Bank has also initiated the mapping of RCs in Malaysia, Morocco and Tunisia. By analysing the profiles of the mapped RCs, it is highly important to understand that they operate under very different circumstances. Common success factors of RCs are their commitment and dedication to their fields of work and aspiration to make meaningful contributions to their respective communities in addition to nurturing talent. Information acquired about the services and products of the RCs facilitates their integration into new projects. More importantly, engaging a relevant RC in project implemen- tation ensures that the beneficiary country will acquire advanced knowledge and the latest technologies. It is worth noting that the mapping programme has already yielded early results, as some of the identified RCs are now involved in the design or implementation of techni- cal cooperation projects outside their home countries. In order to maintain the quality of services provided by the RCs, IsDB will keep the data on RCs up to date and make sure that deserving institutions continue to be mapped. This will be done through a three-step approach that includes: • Continuously updating the information on mapped RCs through appropriate means • Revising thematic areas every five years for each mapped country in the light of economic indicators as well as an assessment of whether the previously selected RCs continue to represent the strongest areas of comparative advantage The mapping of resource centres in Indonesia, Pakistan and Turkey The first Resource Centre (RC) mapping exercise was launched in Turkey in partnership with the Statistical Economic and Social Research and Training Centre, Islamic Countries (SESRIC), the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) and the United Nations Office of South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC). It covered the sectors of agriculture, livestock and food security; health and nutrition; tech- nical and vocational education and training; transport and communications; and disaster and emergency management. In total, 27 Turkish RCs were selected. In Indonesia, IsDB and the Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia (BAPPENAS) produced a report on mapping Indonesia’s RCs. It presented the profiles of 22 RCs in the sectors of agriculture; marine and fisheries; health and population; pharmaceuticals; technical and vocational education and training; planning and budgeting; microfinance; transportation; industry; trade; and disaster risk reduction and mitigation. In Pakistan, IsDB and the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan collaborated in preparing a report on mapping Pakistan’s RCs. The report presented the profiles of 16 institutions in the sectors of agriculture; agro-based industries; pharmaceuticals; and information and communication technologies.