As the development pact shifts, can open research help countries to unlock innovation and sustainable growth?

[Ina Smith]

As the development pact shifts, can open research help countries to unlock innovation and sustainable growth?

https://blog.inasp.info/as-the-development-pact-shifts-can-open-research-help-countries-to-unlock-innovation-and-sustainable-growth/ 

The African Union’s Science Technology and Innovation Strategy (STISA-2034) positions open science as a crucial enabler of the continent’s development goals. A new Vision for Open Research in Africa, endorsed by AUDA-NEPAD and developed by the Science for Africa Foundation (with INASP’s support), is gaining traction in continental processes, with proposals already adopted in East Africa’s AI declaration. The ambition is palpable.

Advancing open research requires more than raising awareness: it is a political and governance challenge, which requires reform of the institutions and incentives shaping how research is funded and conducted – North and South. That must be led by the science councils and funding bodies within countries and economic communities.

But there’s a great opportunity for Northern partners to help advance Global South priorities by supporting the open research systems that they’re building and ensuring they are in the driving seat. This includes investing in open research infrastructure (e.g., publishing systems and data repositories), supporting governance and policy developments (Open Access, and research assessment), and supporting researchers to build skills for open systems. The Vision for Open Research in Africa and the Africa Union STISA-2034 offer a good starting point to guide these plans and investments.

Ina Smith

Programme Officer: Open Science and Open Infrastructure

Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)

 

Switchboard: +27 12 349 6600   

Tel: +27 828180117   

Email: i...@assaf.org.za 

 

 

25A De Havilland Crescent, Persequor Park

Meiring Naudé Road, Lynnwood 0020, Pretoria, South Africa.

 

PO Box 72135, Lynnwood Ridge 0040, Pretoria, South Africa.

 

Website: www.assaf.org.za

ASSAf Disclaimer: The views and opinions included in this email belong to their author and do not necessarily mirror the views and opinions of the organisation. Our employees are obliged not to make any defamatory statements, infringe, or authorize infringement of any legal right. Therefore, the organisation will not accept any liability for such statements included in emails. In case of any damages or other liabilities arising, employees are fully responsible for the content of their emails. The processing of personal information by ASSAf is done lawfully and not excessive to the purpose of processing in compliance with the POPI Act, any codes of conduct issued by the Information Regulator in terms of the POPI Act and / or relevant legislation providing appropriate security safeguards for the processing of personal information of others.