The initiative aims to promote discussions about how AfricaLics and the associated research capacity building project on innovation and development (I&D) research can enhance transformative research and policy. In this EOI, we describe what AfricaLics as an initiative has been doing, why this is transformational and how it may contribute to transformative change at large.
The African economies seem to hit a crossroad regarding directionality of their innovation policies to attain sustainable development. On the one hand economic growth is paramount to ensuring the livelihoods of Africa’s rapidly increasing population. On the other hand, climatic, environmental and social challenges call for new development models that tackle these challenges including climate change and undesired socio-economic inequalities. Efforts are therefore needed to research networks like AfricaLics to contribute to the development of transformative thinking and policies for change. Based on quantitative and qualitative data about the development of the field of Innovation and Development studies, this initiative will help strengthen discussions in the network and with actors in the TIPC network on how AfricaLics and the research capacity building project can contribute to transformative change at large.
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