The Guild contributes to AU-EU Innovation Agenda Stakeholder Event

On 23 and 24 November, representatives of The Guild are contributing to a transcontinental dialogue about the draft AU-EU Innovation Agenda in Nairobi, Kenya, alongside their colleagues from the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA).

The draft AU-EU Innovation Agenda, adopted by the EU-AU Summit on 18 February 2022, envisages a new approach to European-African science relations. In particular, it sets out a long-term strategy focusing on close collaboration and capacity-building in science, notably through the creation of joint Centres of Excellence to address the societal challenges that affect both continents. In doing so, the agenda emphasises the need for joint Masters-level and doctoral education while overcoming brain drain. It also emphasises the need for improved access to infrastructure by African researchers. 

The Nairobi event, which is also accessible online, will build on the outcomes of the public consultation on the draft Innovation Agenda, and consider how it can be implemented. It also aims to bring together examples of current best practice, to discuss how new ideas can be tested and scaled up.

A particular focus of the event is to consider how new partnerships will be sustainable, and how wider sections of the population, notably youth and women, can benefit from the Agenda.

The Stakeholder event will feature contributions by The Guild’s Secretary-General, Jan Palmowski, and Laura Royer, Policy Officer. It will also benefit from the expertise of colleagues from ARUA, including Sibusiso Moyo (Stellenbosch University) and Stephen Kiama, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, as well as Emmanuel Adu-Danso, representing the ARUA office.

Commenting on the Event, Jan Palmowski said: "The Stakeholder Event will bring over 1,000 registered participants to reflect on how we can build more sustainable, long-term and equitable science partnerships. The Guild and ARUA are committed to pioneering Clusters of Excellence that will jointly address key challenges identified by the AU and the EU. It is essential that as these Clusters emerge, we keep a close dialogue with policy-makers so that our experiences can help enhance the effectiveness of the AU-EU Innovation Agenda in its implementation."

 

Published Nov. 23, 2022 10:02 AM - Last modified Nov. 28, 2022 1:10 PM