Africa’s innovation agenda presents a fresh approach to science cooperation that, if successful, could serve as a model beyond the continent.
Africa’s innovation agenda presents a fresh approach to science cooperation that, if successful, could serve as a model beyond the continent.
Universities are calling on policymakers to pilot a science fund for research and innovation cooperation between the African Union and the European Union.
On June 13, the regions will strengthen their cooperation in research and developments by signing an Innovation Agenda. The agenda aims to enhance talent exchange, develop research infrastructures, and establish centers of excellence.
Universities are seeking ambitious, dedicated funding for their projects. However, the EU’s next budget cycle is not set to begin until 2028. To bridge this gap, they propose initiating a trial joint fund in 2023.
At last year’s AU-EU Summit, science cooperation was identified as a central aspect of the strategic partnership. “We need to be realistic but ambitious for the next few years,” said Jan Palmowski, secretary general of the Guild of European Research-Intensive Universities. The organization is leading the efforts to create a more sustainable and equitable approach to research.
The universities are calling for cooperation between the two blocs to focus on four areas: green transition, innovation, and technology, public health, and capacity-building in science and higher education. They suggest focusing on three key aspects to ensure its success.
The group proposes extending the pilot program of the Arise initiative, which provides support for early-career researchers like the European Research Council, until 2027. They also recommend implementing new funding schemes to assist mid-career and senior researchers.
Universities are also seeking to establish joint research centers that link Africa and Europe, thereby facilitating collaboration.
African universities and research organizations need investments in research infrastructures, including laboratories, equipment, and buildings, to address shortages, reduce brain drain, and stimulate innovation.
Despite the challenge of navigating Brussels’ complex policy landscape, involving numerous Commission directorates from research to international partnerships, Jan Palmowski asserts that, “to do nothing is simply not an option.” He argues for the strengthening of the science system by connecting three strands: research and innovation, education and skills, and public engagement.
Africa’s innovation agenda presents a fresh approach to science cooperation that, if successful, could serve as a model beyond the continent. “This is a really important test bed in how the EU can spearhead new types of collaborative partnerships,” said Palmowski.
Recently, Egypt’s international research publications have seen a significant increase in 2021. The country now ranks 24th among 233 countries, with 44,219 serials, 388 h-index laboratories, and 42,493 citations, according to a report by SCImago, which was recently highlighted by the Minister of Higher Education Ayman Ashour.
