Edward Kayongo, Getahun Fetensa, Justine Germo Nzweundji-Khumbah, Lester Kapanda, Tamara Kredo, Zewdie Birhanu, Dang Ngoc Toan, Simon Lewin, Yemisi Takwoingi, Judith Friedman, Ana Beatriz Pizarro, Andrea Yearwood, Claudia Alarcón López, Eva Madrid, Denny John, Dru Riddle, Jennifer Yost, Thomas Rossmueller, Yosef Abraha, Alice Taylor, Working Group 5
WG5's recommendations provide a scalable, costed roadmap to embed equity and co-creation in global evidence synthesis. By integrating digital tools, human infrastructure, and participatory governance, the proposed portfolio offers funders and stakeholders a menu of options to transform a fragmented system into a connected, inclusive, and resilient evidence ecosystem.
AIM: To develop actionable recommendations for capacity sharing as a core enabler of a sustainable global evidence synthesis ecosystem.
BACKGROUND: The Evidence Synthesis Infrastructure Collaborative (ESIC), launched in 2024 with Wellcome Trust support, seeks to strengthen evidence synthesis methods, capacity, and infrastructure worldwide. Working Group 5 (WG5) focused on capacity sharing-defined as the equitable, reciprocal exchange of skills, knowledge, and resources-moving beyond traditional unidirectional capacity-building models to foster inclusive, collaborative approaches.
METHODS: WG5 employed a two-phase, four-stage process informed by the Double Diamond design framework. Phase 1 mapped existing capabilities and gaps through a Capability Maturity Assessment (CMA) across regions. Phase 2 identified and prioritised solutions via iterative consultations, literature reviews, expert feedback, and alignment with other ESIC working groups. 20 participants from 22 countries contributed, ensuring diverse representation.
RESULTS: The CMA revealed stark disparities: high-income regions exhibited mature systems, while many LMICs lacked mechanisms for sustained collaboration. Barriers included fragmented digital infrastructure, skills gaps, weak mentorship, limited knowledge translation, and insufficient end-user engagement, with language as a cross-cutting challenge. WG5 proposed a portfolio of ten interlinked solutions, including an ESIC Knowledge Hub, AI-powered knowledge translation tools, regional collaborating centres, mentorship programmes, continuous professional development modules, and competency frameworks. These solutions aim to rebalance inequities, enhance efficiency, and foster south-led innovation.
CONCLUSION: WG5's recommendations provide a scalable, costed roadmap to embed equity and co-creation in global evidence synthesis. By integrating digital tools, human infrastructure, and participatory governance, the proposed portfolio offers funders and stakeholders a menu of options to transform a fragmented system into a connected, inclusive, and resilient evidence ecosystem.