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Integrated Programmes
We expect the IPs to help in finding better solutions to the vital and complex problems faced by developing countries, and innovations which are beneficial socially, economically and ecologically, as well as being equitable, viable, applicable and acceptable. This can only be fulfilled within a context of building sustainable partnerships between Dutch and Southern researchers, and by involving the right stakeholders.

Open and thematic categories
The MDGs are regarded as important and commonly recognised key areas for change. Many development dimensions, however, are not adequately covered by the MDGs. Research can play a role in identifying completely new opportunities for change. For that reason the IP-scheme is not limited to MDG-related research. There is an open category (A) for proposals that may relate to any research topic as long as it is innovative and relevant for development, and there is a thematic category (B) for MDG-related research. Under the IP-scheme the two categories are regarded as equally important.

Originality and innovativeness both in science and in policy and practice
WOTRO wishes to promote scientific originality: research that embarks upon new and pioneering methodologies, that develops original ways to integrate multiple disciplinary strands, and that breaks virgin epistemological ground. WOTRO also wishes to stimulate scientific innovation. We are looking for research with the potential to build new theories, to create new paradigms, and to shift disciplinary borders.
But WOTRO seeks the same creativity with respect to the relevance of research and the application of results. New or neglected problems require new knowledge and unsolved challenges require new insights and novel approaches. The IP-scheme seeks for originality in the societal focus of research: originality in the way research questions are framed and development problems are approached. And the IP-scheme strives for the identification of new solutions or opportunities for application. WOTRO hopes to stimulate that research leads to technological, social, economic and policy innovations.

Interdisciplinary and integrative approaches
Real-life development issues can hardly ever be adequately grasped from a disciplinary perspective.
For that reason, an interdisciplinary approach is considered the most appropriate in tackling complex societal issues. Key considerations here are the relevance of combining various disciplines and striking a proper balance in weaving together multiple perspectives and intertwining disciplinary insights. The integration of disciplinary perspectives promises to open up new scientific avenues. However, the integrative approach advocated by the IP-scheme does not only relate to interdisciplinarity, but equally to the overall coherence of research proposals in integrating and mutually adjusting the various components, projects and research activities of the proposed programme.

North-South scientific and multi-stakeholder collaboration
New knowledge, insights and theories can only find their way into policy and practice if the social, political, gender, institutional and environmental contexts are thoroughly understood. Initiating and conducting research programmes in teams which include Southern researchers and involving key stakeholders from outside the scientific community enhances the tuning to priority issues and ensures the development focus of the research. Links with multiple scientific and non-scientific stakeholders are deemed necessary to help spread research results, raise awareness and increase potential impact. Involvement of researchers based in The Netherlands is a prerequisite for funding and allows for access to international research and policy agendas and international research and policy networks. It may also allow for international cooperation and exchange in capacity development. It is important that stakeholders complement one another in terms of skills and knowledge, leading to increased research quality, capacity development amongst scientific and non-scientific communities and embedment in international scientific and non-scientific networks and platforms.