Regional networks for research on STI systems in Africa Joseph G.M. Massaquoi 1
Objective of this presentation: To present existing regional networks and how they could fit into the STIGAP programme Actions. In particular how they could contribute to assessment of various aspects of STI system 2
Two regional networks in the field of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) The African Technology Policy studies Network (ATPS) Primary activities are in the area of research for STI policy formulation, and assessment of STI systems, capacity building of policy makers and researchers involved in policy research. (More appropriate for the STIGAP project) The African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) facilitates Human resource capacity building in Science and Technology through training and research in scientific and technical fields. (More appropriate for assessing capacity for teaching and research in Science, technology in various Institutions) African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS). It is not a network. But could be a member of STIGAP 3
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network The History/ background Evolved in year 2000 from the old WATPS and EATPS Characteristics of the Network Network of National Chapters (the network members are the national Chapters) Chapter membership individual researchers, research institutes, public and private sector policy makers are members of the chapters Trans disciplinary research 4
Membership of ATPS 5
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Membership Membership is at the level of National chapters. There are national chapters in 23 Countries Membership comprises policymakers, NGOs, consultants, research organizations and private sector actors 6
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Link with UNESCO FORMAL : UNESCO uses the staff and ATPS chapter members as consultant for STI policy programme activities INFORMAL: The current and previous directors of the UNESCO/ROSTA have been members of the ATPS Governing Board/ steering committee arising from their work before joining UNESCO. 7
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network 2 Mission/ Goals Mission: to improve the quality of STI research policy and practice The Goal: To build Africa s STI capacity 8
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network 3 9
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Two Categories of Activities Category 1 Capacity Building / Training Capacity of researchers to promote policy relevant research The Capacity of Policymakers in public and private sector to understand, articulate, formulate and implement STI policies. 10
Africa Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) Network Category 2 Knowledge Management Knowledge generation through research, and other studies including STI systems assessment Knowledge Dissemination Knowledge brokerage 11
ATPS and the proposed STIGAP For the Africa Region, ATPS could be a member ( as a research group) of the proposed regional Network of of research Institutes, research Groups and individual researchers. 12
STIGAP and other networks/centres The African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI) African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) 13
STIGAP and the New UNESCO Field Structure STIGAP design envisages the existence of a regional office with responsibility for Science throughout SSA The proposed UNESCO field structure will not have a thematic regional office. It will have several multi sectoral regional offices with each serving a few countries. (Ref. EX186) There will be no regional office with responsibility for Science for all of SSA 14
THANKS 15