The Strategy Document

Global Public Goods: From Data and Information to Food

1. Executive Summary A CGIAR vision for sharing global public goods and knowledge We see the CGIAR managing and sustaining the critical information systems it holds as Global Public Goods (GPGs), through integrated and collaborative approaches among CGIAR Centers and national, regional and international partners. We envisage a collaborative approach to maximizing the value and use of these GPGs, all in support of more effective action towards solving problems related to agricultural development, reducing poverty and alleviating hunger. A strategy for improving the quality and relevance of and access to CGIAR global public goods Access to accurate and timely information is essential in the global effort to fight hunger and poverty in the developing world. To support these efforts, the Future Harvest Centers have gathered a large amount of data, information and knowledge. Although much of this information exists as public goods held in trust by the CGIAR Centers, it is not well known - largely because it is not organized in a common way. The number and type of databases generated by the various scientific communities has expanded rapidly, but CGIAR partners and global research communities face difficulties accessing these resources. Such information and knowledge is referred to as Global Public Goods (GPGs). They extend from databases and raw scientific information coming out of research carried out by the CGIAR in collaboration with its partners, to spatial and graphic information, published research, gray literature and technical reports, and other information, tools and knowledge products. The strategy described in this document lays out an approach and concept for the CGIAR to provide its "information customers' worldwide with simple but enhanced access to the vast array of scientific data, information and knowledge (generated by its research centers working with their national research partners) in an easy, searchable and flexible way. The strategy will be put into action through specific activities and projects within five components: • A preparatory, intensive study of the needs of priority users • Integrated access to these global public goods • Networking and capacity building to ensure the best possible linkages between CGIAR, NARS and other partners for public goods generation and sharing • Value-added information products and services • Program management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation Through this strategy, the CGIAR Centers commit themselves to working together and with their partners to standardize their information sources further, provide online access to their metadata sources, support the establishment of a CGIAR information gateway that provides universal access to the CGIAR's Global Public Goods, and work with partners to expand the body and utility of GPGs. Following approval in principle to this strategy by the Alliance Executive, the specific activities and projects needed to bring the strategy to life will be developed through a collaborative process between CGIAR Centers and key external partners. The combined strategy and implementation plan will then be recommended to the Alliance Executive for a resource mobilization effort.

1. Executive Summary A CGIAR vision for sharing global public goods and knowledge We see the CGIAR managing and sustaining the critical information systems it holds as Global Public Goods (GPGs), through integrated and collaborative approaches among CGIAR Centers and national, regional and international partners. We envisage a collaborative approach to maximizing the value and use of these GPGs, all in support of more effective action towards solving problems related to agricultural development, reducing poverty and alleviating hunger. A strategy for improving the quality and relevance of and access to CGIAR global public goods Access to accurate and timely information is essential in the global effort to fight hunger and poverty in the developing world. To support these efforts, the Future Harvest Centers have gathered a large amount of data, information and knowledge. Although much of this information exists as public goods held in trust by the CGIAR Centers, it is not well known - largely because it is not organized in a common way. The number and type of databases generated by the various scientific communities has expanded rapidly, but CGIAR partners and global research communities face difficulties accessing these resources. Such information and knowledge is referred to as Global Public Goods (GPGs). They extend from databases and raw scientific information coming out of research carried out by the CGIAR in collaboration with its partners, to spatial and graphic information, published research, gray literature and technical reports, and other information, tools and knowledge products. The strategy described in this document lays out an approach and concept for the CGIAR to provide its "information customers' worldwide with simple but enhanced access to the vast array of scientific data, information and knowledge (generated by its research centers working with their national research partners) in an easy, searchable and flexible way. The strategy will be put into action through specific activities and projects within five components: • A preparatory, intensive study of the needs of priority users • Integrated access to these global public goods • Networking and capacity building to ensure the best possible linkages between CGIAR, NARS and other partners for public goods generation and sharing • Value-added information products and services • Program management, coordination, monitoring and evaluation Through this strategy, the CGIAR Centers commit themselves to working together and with their partners to standardize their information sources further, provide online access to their metadata sources, support the establishment of a CGIAR information gateway that provides universal access to the CGIAR's Global Public Goods, and work with partners to expand the body and utility of GPGs. Following approval in principle to this strategy by the Alliance Executive, the specific activities and projects needed to bring the strategy to life will be developed through a collaborative process between CGIAR Centers and key external partners. The combined strategy and implementation plan will then be recommended to the Alliance Executive for a resource mobilization effort.