I am Karen Helveg Petersen, the founder of Radi-Consult, a consulting firm based in Denmark.

 

I have extensive qualifications in energy economics: rural electrification, energy sector structure and organisation, economic and financial modelling, tariffs and subsidies. My particular interests are the major political-economic questions of energy resources.

 

In addition I work with government expenditure management systems, not least in Francophone countries.

 

First of all I cover analysis and diagnosis. I am not particularly keen on evaluation or reviews or work that is too donor-centred. I prefer to use my personal capacities on work that shows some direct and tangible results. A specific preference is to draw up background papers for negotiation or strategic contract assistance to developing country utility companies or government entities when they are dealing with financial institutions or major foreign companies. 

 

In short my development philosophy is: The mechanisms of development are too often underestimated if not directly ignored. Seeing a problem does not only mean that money should be thrown at it, but also that there is a need for change of the economic and political power structures, or at least that these are recognised as impediments. It is essential to always try to foresee the potential for negative or zero impact. In fact, I do not think that donor support is the driver of development. It can be a push in the right direction and help overcome some financial shortcomings, but too often the costs of donor assistance are high. Time is wasted, donors have too much on their agenda plate, and domestic interests have to be catered to. Developing countries will only be less poor if they overcome the obstacles that are keeping them back. These comprise lack of capital and a weak negotiating position that prevents them from getting sufficient revenue for their export products or natural resources. In addition their politico-economic problems disadvantage them in the world system, and their specific country setting (regional and geographical factors) is often unfavourable.

 

I have many good contacts to other consultants that I can mobilise at short notice for particular jobs.

 

In addition to consulting I take an interest in societal problems and am Chairman of Fund for Christiania (www.christianiafonden.dk) that wants to preserve the unique character of Christiania and avoid the pressure to ‘normalize’ it. I also write on political-economy issues.

 

RADI•consult™  

Teglgaardstraede 10   DK-1452 Copenhagen, phone: +45 33 91 06 99, cell: +45 41 62 77 75 16804843