Global Market of Reform Knowledge

Extract

[...] Thus, the market of reform knowledge represents a new form of international governance, where knowledge and expertise circulate freely and rapidly, beyond national borders. This transformation of the landscape of government expertise raises many questions about its implications for global governance, North-South relations, and the reproduction of international hierarchies. II. Towards an Open Model of Production of Reform Knowledge? The transition to an open model of production of reform knowledge constitutes another significant facet of the evolution of the landscape of government expertise in the contemporary era. [...]

[...] This transition to an 'open source' model of knowledge production is particularly evident at the World Bank, one of the main development institutions at the global level. Indeed, the World Bank has undertaken in recent years to reform its practices in terms of production and dissemination of knowledge, adopting more collaborative and inclusive approaches. Through online platforms and crowdsourcing initiatives, the World Bank now encourages the participation of various actors - experts, practitioners, policymakers, and even aid beneficiaries - in the co-creation and validation of knowledge on reform. In parallel, there is an increasing incorporation of critical knowledge into international aid programs. [...]

[...] Next, we will examine the possible opening of the model of production of reform knowledge before analyzing the political implications that follow from these dynamics. Thus, this dissertation aims to provide a thorough insight into a subject of paramount importance in the field of political science and international relations. I. The market of reform knowledge: a transformation of the landscape of government expertise Since the end of the Cold War, the landscape of government expertise has undergone a profound metamorphosis, marked by the emergence of a global market of reform knowledge. [...]

[...] Development agencies, international organizations, and governments of Northern countries have progressively outsourced a part of their advisory and technical assistance activities, thus creating a market where expertise has become a commodity traded on the international scene. This commercialization of expertise has been accompanied by a growing specialization of the actors involved. Consultants, academics, NGOs, and think tanks have progressively specialized in specific areas of reform, thus acquiring a sharp and sought-after expertise on the market. This specialization has fostered the emergence of transnational networks of experts, who cooperate and collaborate beyond national borders to propose innovative solutions to the governance challenges faced by states around the world. [...]

[...] This opening is reflected in the promotion of citizen participation, consultation with local actors, and recognition of indigenous knowledge as legitimate sources of expertise. Through dialogue and collaboration mechanisms, state agencies seek to enrich their analyses and legitimize their interventions by taking into account the perspectives and concerns of the affected populations. On the other hand, this incorporation of critical knowledge is often accompanied by processes of domestication and normalization, aimed at channeling and framing critical thinking within collaborative networks. [...]