Academics as Development Practitioners: Some Experiences and Advice

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Session Description

Academic political scientists and development practitioners have much to learn from one another. But it is also true that they operate under contrasting incentives and work schedules, making it difficult for learning to take place across these two professions. This roundtable features five scholars with extensive records providing technical assistance to developing countries in the area of decentralization. They will discuss their specific experiences operating in the liminal space between academia and consulting. In the process, they will address working with donors such as the World Bank and USAID and will provide advice to other academics interested in engagement with the world of development aid.

Sub Unit

• Division 28: Federalism and Intergovernmental Relations

Chair

• Charles R. Hankla Georgia State University

Presenters

• Edmund J. Malesky Duke University

• Erik M. Wibbels University of Pennsylvania

• Alison E. Post University of California, Berkeley

• Jan Henryk Pierskalla Ohio State University