Even well-designed partnerships encounter recurring challenges as they move from principle to practice. The table below should be understood as illustrative, not exhaustive — a starting point for anticipating risks rather than a complete risk register.

Challenge

Power imbalances

Communication breakdowns

Resource constraints

Description

Dominance by HEIs, donors, or government actors

Possible Mitigation

Shared governance, power-mapping, transparent decision-making

Complex coordination across actors

Clear coordination roles, shared tools,
regular check-ins

Unequal funding or staff capacity

Joint fundraising, pooled resources

Donor-driven distortions

Short timelines or rigid requirements

Early alignment, negotiated expectations

Sustainability risks

Short-term projects ending abruptly

Embed pathways into institutional strategies

Common Challenges and Mitigation Strategies