Table 1 Comparative analysis of the different conceptual frameworks for national health research system strengthening
Domain | Pang et al. [2] framework | McIntyre [16] framework | COHRED [17] framework |
|---|---|---|---|
Governance and management | Stewardship (define and articulate a vision for national health research system; identify appropriate health research priorities and coordinate adherence to them; set and monitor ethical standards for health research and research partnership; monitor and evaluate health research system) | National research environment (governance and coordination, ethical guidelines/standards) Task network (Ministry of Heath, international funders, Southern NGO, Northern universities) | Foundations (development of policies, definition of priorities and management) Resources (coordination) Optimisation (ethic regulation, civil society engagement, research information system, and monitoring and evaluation) Enabling political environment (leadership) |
Capacities | Creating and sustaining resources (build, strengthen and sustain the human and institutional capacities to conduct, absorb and utilise health research) | Individual (training and experiences, disciplines, research, management and leadership skills) Institutional (critical mass, external environment/infrastructure, collegial environment, leadership, funding) | Resources (capacities) |
Financing | Financing (secure research funds and allocate them accountably) | National research environment (funding demand for research outputs) External research environment (international funders, international organisations) | Resources (financing) Optimisation (fair research contracting) |
Diffusion and use of research results | Producing and using resources (produce scientifically valid research; translate and communicate research to inform policy, strategies, practices and public opinions; promote the use of research to develop a new tools, e.g. drugs, vaccines, devices, to improve health) | Optimisation (research communication) |