Institutional Learning and Change Initiative

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Abstract:

The primary legacy of the Soviet agricultural research system for the former
Soviet republics of Central Asia and the Caucasus was a highly organized, fully
funded, and overcapitalized agricultural research establishment. The new republics
inherited a large number of research institutions and a huge complement of
scientific staff. Evolution of their economies and their agriculture, however, challenges
these countries to reform their technology system to make it responsive
and effective. Up to now, a preservationist strategy has been the dominant means
for dealing with agricultural research structure, implying the maintenance of
existing institutes as a system. This is true despite a strong desire by scientists and
government to optimize agricultural research. Future development in these countries
depends largely on the political will of agricultural research system leaders
to take bold steps to reform agricultural research according to a sound strategy
that takes into account changing demand for agricultural research as reflected in
emerging local and international markets.