Tobias Center for Innovation in International Development’s Post

Understanding Localization in Development: A Holistic Approach There's often confusion around localization and how it works in practice. It's understandable, as the concept hasn't been fully explored or operationalized. To me, localization in development has three key components: Funding: Directing development resources to and through local partners, ensuring the local ownership of initiatives. Local Capacity Building: Developing the capacities of local actors now, so that future decisions and initiatives are led by them. Local, in this context, could refer to continental, national, or subnational levels. This presents a powerful opportunity for international agencies to leave behind a sustainable legacy. Grassroots Development: Empowering communities to take responsibility for developing their natural resources, economies, and ultimately shaping their own futures. Localization shouldn't be about where an organization is registered, nor is it a threat to international organizations. It’s about working together to achieve a shared goal: developing vulnerable communities and leaving behind lasting stability. What are your thoughts? Share below!

The call to apply to the Globalization and Localization Association (GALA) Rising Star Scholarship is now open! As last year’s student winner, I strongly recommend applying. This scholarship gave me the chance to learn from top industry leaders, network with inspiring professionals, and make lifelong friends. It’s an invaluable opportunity, especially for students and soon-to-be graduates in translation or localization programs, to gain real insight into the world of localization at the annual GALA conference. The essay and application may seem daunting as you are competing with multiple students across the world but you never know and might as well become the next Rising Star! Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity! You can find the link in the comments to apply #GALA2025 #GALARisingStar #Localization #L10N

New paper and blog! I've recently been thinking a lot about 'localization' of development cooperation. This is an area getting a lot of attention at the moment, with excellent work from people like Maia King, Courtenay Cabot Venton and Renwick Irvine released recently. And the more I think--and read--about localization, the more I realize that it presents profound conceptual and practical challenges to how and why donors operate in developing countries; and I'm not convinced that donor countries have fully appreciated the scale of these challenges, or really begun to make the necessary changes that will allow them to localize effectively. In my paper and blog (links in the first comment) I dig into these issues. I set out what we mean by localization, and how the idea of localization challenges the underlying conception of foreign aid. I look at why we should want to localize, and what different motivations mean for how and how much localization is optimal. I look at how donor operating practices have evolved in ways that are inimical to the process of localization, and how can change. And I conclude with practical suggestions for how to advance localization in ways that increase the impact of development cooperation. Please read and share--and, as always, very grateful for your thoughts!

I'm really interested in the growing shift towards localisation and evolving global development trends, Ranil at CGD has put together an excellent paper on this crucial topic: 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲𝗶𝗴𝗻 𝗮𝗶𝗱. With USAID committing to channel 25% of its funding through local actors by 2025 and other donors following suit, we are entering a transformative period in development and aid. Here are some takeaways on recruitment strategies in this evolving context: 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Localisation is about transferring decision-making to local actors, yet there’s no universal definition of “local.” Establishing specific, context-driven criteria for what qualifies as a "local actor" is essential to guide effective recruitment. 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴: Sourcing qualified local talent can be challenging in regions where certain skills may be limited. To bridge this gap, investing in local training and education aligned with both the needs of local organisations and donor goals is critical. 𝗔𝗱𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹-𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗜𝘀𝘀𝘂𝗲𝘀: Donor organisations often hesitate to relinquish control to local partners due to concerns over losing oversight. Creating mechanisms for transparency and accountability can reassure donors, enabling them to empower local actors with greater decision-making authority. 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘆 𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗿𝘂𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀: Definitions of “local” and expectations for decision-making vary across contexts. To adapt, recruitment strategies must be flexible, accommodating these nuances and supporting localisation goals in diverse settings.

This Bruno Herrmann blog on the role and complexities of localization in the life sciences sector highlights the strategic focus on developing a robust and efficient ecosystem. Such a foundation is not merely about meeting current demands but also equipping companies with the ability to scale and adapt in an ever-changing international landscape. This perspective underscores the essential nature of a well-orchestrated approach to localization, positioning it as a critical element for success in global markets. You can read the blog over on the XTM International website. (Link in the comments) ↓

Localization, locally-led development, proximate leaders - what's the right language to describe the power shifts that are happening in global development. Amid disputes over the meaning of the word “localization”, which is set to transform development, some are asking if it's still fit for purpose. #globaldev #localization

Check out the report by LSE Department of International Development on Exploring AAP, Localization, and the Triple Nexus from Southern Perspectives HAI and its initiatives are covered in the Asia section of the report. We encourage you to take a look and share your thoughts and views with us. Your insights are valuable to us as we continue working towards our humanitarian goals. This report seeks to comprehensively examine the interconnectedness of these three agendas and their interpretation by practitioners in the Global South. https://lnkd.in/gpC7igUb CYSD Badlao Foundation North-East Affected Area Development Society - NEADS Local Organisations’ Coalition for Advancing Localisation (LOCAL) Anchalik Gram Unnayan Parishad

The Chinese Computer: A Global History of the Information Age https://lnkd.in/eGC4mDaB A big shout-out to the people at Imug, who are still coming up with essential and innovative presentations like this one last month. They cover a wide range of topics relevant to the Localization industry and do so for a very affordable price. Once upon a time, during my Master's at MIIS, I paid for their lifetime membership, and I have never regretted going to any of their lectures, even when the topic seems far from my current area of professional expertise, or should I say especially when the topic is far from my area of expertise. There is no growth without new ideas and no new localization ideas without input from people who have seen and lived parts of our world culture that are still foreign to us. I leave you the link to their LinkedIn profile and MeetUp page. https://lnkd.in/euFPYJVu https://lnkd.in/eUS2ZhYV

🌍 What is "world-readiness"? 🌍 A truly global product feels like it was made just for you, no matter where you live or what language you speak. By understanding local cultures, languages, and regulations, you can create products that are both globally acceptable and locally relevant. To achieve this, consider: Understanding your audience by country/region and language. Being aware of local technology access, payment methods, and cultural norms. Adapting to locale-specific differences in language, formatting, and regulations. Want to learn more about making your product world-ready? Check out this resource: https://lnkd.in/g87XxCXm #msftadvocate #Globalization #Localization #Internationalization #SoftwareDevelopment #g11n #i18n #l10n #Globalizationessentials

Hello everyone, Two important messages for things you should not miss: 1- The Early-Bird for Globalization and Localization Association (GALA)'s Annual Conference will end by the end of this week. Don't miss this opportunity to save money and attend an insightful conference with a high-level program. 2- On February 29th, Robert Martin, Rita Prazeres Gonçalves, and Laura Casanellas Luri will present a webinar for BLISS - Brazilian Language Industry Association, and it's open to all. They will talk about the trends for 2024 regarding #growth, #technology and #talents. Great topics, right? Don't miss it and enjoy your week! #translation #translationservices #localization #localizationservices #interpretation #interpretationservices #globalization