Capacity building
Definition
Capacity building is A systematic and integrated approach that includes education and training, human resource development, knowledge management and knowledge networks to develop and continuously improve the governmental, organizational and individual competencies and capabilities necessary for achieving a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme. On organizational level capacity building is often defined as a process of enhacing an organization's ability to achieve its goalsand also implementknowledge management principles and practices.
Source:: Ref. [1]
Summary
Capacity building is an umbrella concept which consists of four elements: Education and training, knowledge management, human resource development and knowledge networks. An appropriate capacity building programme is essential for the safety, security and sustainability of any nuclear power programme.
Government, organisations as well and individuals each have a role in capacity building. Government should have a clear policy and strategy for the nuclear programme and for developing and maintaining the required human capacity on the national level. In addition, the government should ensure the sufficient resources needed for this. Organisations' role is to communicate their needs to the government and to develop the capacity of their personnel. Individuals naturally have the responsibility of developing their own knowledge and skills.
Description
Overview
Elements of capacity building
Education
Training
Knowledge management
Human resource development
Knowledge networks
Roles of different organisations in capacity building
The government should take ultimate responsibility for the definition and implementation of the optimal way of using national, regional and international resources to build, maintain and continuously improve the capacity building programme within the country [1].
It is usually at the organizational rather than the governmental level that the detailed knowledge of, and expertise in, a particular process or activity resides [1].
Self-evaluation process
The IAEA has developed a methodology for self-assessment of the capacity building on both national and organisational level. In the self-evaluation four questions are asked for each evaluation area:
- What is needed?
- What is available?
- What is the missing?
- What are the needed actions?
For a detailed description of process, please refer to Ref. [1].
References
[1] Methodology for Self-assessment of Capacity Building in Member States with Nuclear Power Programmes and Those Planning to Embark on Such a Programme http://www-ns.iaea.org/downloads/coordination/methodology-for-self-assessment-of-capacity-building-24-july-2012.pdf
