1 A Capacity Framework: 6 Points of Comparison Tara Lyons and Bill Reimer

2 Outline 1) NRE Capacity Framework 2) Comparison based on 6 features: 1) Capacity as a process? 2) Outcomes 3) How is capacity measured? 4) Endogamous vs. exogenous 5) Levels of analysis 6) Capacity as positive?

3 How can rural Canada (re)vitalize? Identify the conditions that have contributed to devitalization Identify the conditions that have contributed to devitalization Organize assets and resources to do the things considered important Organize assets and resources to do the things considered important This ability to organize is: Capacity Capacity transforms assets into valued outcomes

4 ASSETS and LIABILITIES Economic Capital Human Skills and Abilities Social Capital Natural Resources OUTCOMES Economic wealth Social and political inclusion Social Cohesion Environmental security Social and self- worth Health Personal Security outcomes can become new assets and liabilities PROCESSES Market Bureaucratic Associative Communal

5 Capacity as Process 2 understandings in literature 2 understandings in literature We incorporate the two We incorporate the two  Capacity is a dynamic process, not static  Identification of assets Example of NGO from site Example of NGO from site  Initial concerns transformed over time  Effectiveness varies with time

6 Capacity for What? Outcomes diverse in literature Outcomes diverse in literature We identify potential outcomes We identify potential outcomes Imperative to consider contexts Imperative to consider contexts  Outcomes subjective  Valued outcomes change over time

7 Potential or Actualized? Capacity as potential Capacity as potential  It may not be actualized  If it is not acted upon, it remains potential Use of indirect measures of capacity Use of indirect measures of capacity  Focus on conditions that have facilitated or impeded outcomes in the past to assess current and future levels

8 Endogamous or Exogenous? Most acknowledge internal & external factors Most acknowledge internal & external factors Focus on conditions that support & constrain capacity within & outside communities Focus on conditions that support & constrain capacity within & outside communities High capacity communities know how to use both High capacity communities know how to use both

9 Capacity for Whom? Community usually the only level considered Community usually the only level considered Yet, events have different meanings at different levels Yet, events have different meanings at different levels  We include individual, group, community, regional, national levels ATV example ATV example  Not successful for everyone  Depends on level of analysis (i.e., group, regional)

10 Positive or Negative? Capacity is not inherently positive Capacity is not inherently positive How is positive defined? Positive for whom? How is positive defined? Positive for whom? Overlooking negative impacts of capacity Overlooking negative impacts of capacity  Ignoring conflicts, tensions  Valuable information

11 ASSETS and LIABILITIES Economic Capital Human Skills and Abilities Social Capital Natural Resources OUTCOMES Economic wealth Social and political inclusion Social Cohesion Environmental security Social and self- worth Health Personal Security outcomes can become new assets and liabilities PROCESSES Market Bureaucratic Associative Communal

12 A Capacity Framework: 6 points of comparison Tara Lyons and Bill Reimer nre.concordia.ca /10/12