How can network theory contribute to better understanding and more effectively facilitating adaptive change, and societal transformation?
In this session Lin McDevitt-Pugh explored how networks influence policy development and project implementation, and how project staff and clients can exercise leadership by mobilizing stakeholder networks. She discussed why elite capture persists and will challenge the group to use network theory to bring different actors to the table. By exploring the properties of both formal and informal networks she shows pathways to accelerating impact and reaching hard-to-reach stakeholders and beneficiaries. This includes looking at the impact of informal networks on change makers and boundary spanners, and on strengthening leadership capacity in communities. Lin has worked among others with women entrepreneurs in Africa, where the women used their new skills to quickly gain access to export markets. She brings a gender perspective to the inquiry.