Within the knowledge platforms a wide range of actors work together on research to support development policy and practice. They contribute not only to scientific and academic knowledge, but also to the practical know how of NGOs and to innovative ideas for business. In these platforms, policymakers (government), the private sector, academics and civil society from the Netherlands, developing and other countries combine forces to bridge the gap between research and policy. Together they map existing knowledge, identify knowledge gaps and formulate a coherent agenda to address development challenges.

The Ministry launched the five knowledge platforms in 2012. There is one platform for each of the main themes of Dutch development policy:

• Security and rule of law
• Inclusive economic development
• Food security
• Water
• Sexual and reproductive health and rights

Each knowledge platform has its own specific structure and working style so it can deliver added value to its specific field.

While the platforms set the agenda, the Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research, Science for Global Development programme (NWO-WOTRO) decides on the allocation of research funding to the best proposals using competitive calls. To ensure the impact of research, research uptake is an important focus. The platforms feed the results of the research back to policy and practice.

In the coming years the platforms will evolve to become self-sufficient agenda-setting networks with their own dynamics, in which the Dutch government will be just one of the partners.

In February 2017, an external learning review of the knowledge platforms was published. The review can be accessed here.

General questions about the platforms can be directed to Saskia Tjeerdsma: saskia.tjeerdsma@minbuza.nl, or visit the FAQ section.