Conclusions of the study

This study has asked how external actors make sense of ownership as a policy concept (in an environment of competing institutional demands), how this translates into their respective practices at the field level, and which factors influence this process. The research question is based on the premise that external actors implementing SSR interventions in areas of limited statehood are faced with a multitude of demands. Adhering to the principles of ownership policy, which requires external actors to align with national priorities and to use national country systems is one, yet crucial institutional demand external actors are morally expected to respond to. However, ownership adherence is a demand that is frequently found to conflict with other demands.