In mobilizing African Research Excellence, ASRIC is equipped to build and sustain a continental research policy nexus as well as resource mobilization for research programmes. The Programmes and Initiatives are developed inline with the ASRIC Mandate, which will promote dialogue and the voice of the scientific community; advocacy for knowledge and technology creation and acquisition; and link the scientific community with the production sector
It is anticipated that the results to be achieved by programmes and projects will contribute to the development of local, national and regional STI products and services development and management and to establish preparedness capacities by building the requisite capacity and synergies with ongoing projects.
Output 1.1 Advocate and support AU Member States to conduct joint research in the priority areas of STISA 2024
Conduct National Academies of Sciences (NAS) and the National Research Councils (NRC) Dialogue for Intra-Africa Research
1. ASRIC Flagship Project on Artificial Intelligence & Digitalization, Food Security and Nutrition
2. ASRIC Flagship Project on Water for All, Under the ASRIC Initiative of Community/Inclusive Based Innovation
3. ASRIC Flagship Project on Technology Hunter framework to benefit from existing technologies and disclose IPs of technologies that is fit to address Africa’s problems
Development of conducive environment for intra-Africa research
1. Develop white papers on intra-Africa scientific research
2. Establishment of virtual labs networks
3. Develop Research Ethics Guideline
4. Establish African Union Network of Ethical Research (AUNER)
Support initiation, development and implement of a joint research programme at the regional and continental levels
1. Develop Research Call for proposals on STISA-2024 priority areas
Output 1.2: Due recognition given to Africa’s Research output by stakeholders to motivate and increase the market share of the African products and service
Advocate and recognize excellence in Africa‟s research findings among stakeholders including Africa‟s industrialists
1. Develop concept note on the engagement of ASRIC with industrialists and other stakeholders
2. Webinars, workshops, meetings with African industrialist and other relevant stakeholders
3. Appointment of ASRIC Ambassadors (to be drawn from industrialists, philanthropists and other celebrities)
Conduct African STI Souk for boosting intra-Africa trade
1. Develop ASRIC guideline on inclusive, community based and market driven innovations
2. Conduct skill development workshops on entrepreneurship for African researchers
3. Conduct African Souk on research outcome on inclusive, community based and market driven innovations.
Conduct needs and gaps analysis on market demand and analysis on needed STI products and services in the African market
1. Conduct needs and gaps analysis on market demands and services
2. Develop a compendium on market opportunities and demands; and R&D opportunities and solutions • Develop and disseminate publicity material on the gaps and needed STI solutions
Develop the administration of an African network of technology transfer and acquisition
1. Develop concept note on the ASRIC technology hunters
2. Develop network of technology hunters
3. Develop periodical technology hunters outlook for dissemination to Member States and other stakeholders
Output 2.1 African scientists having the requisite skills and knowledge and participating actively in addressing Africa’s challenges, economic transformation, and technological needs
Establishment of African Union Network of Sciences (AUNS)
1. Develop a fully functional network portal
2. Develop publicity materials and conduct webinars and workshops on the AUNS
Building of the critical mass of M.Sc and Ph.D with a special focus on STISA-2024 priority areas and science frontiers
1. ASRIC Scholarship Scheme supporting admission of M.SC and PhD on STISA priority areas and science frontiers
2. Develop a mini framework on PhD training, mobility and networking
Build robust lifelong learning
1. ASRIC Sectoral Capacity Building Programme in the fields of Engineering; Health; Agriculture; Environment and climate change; New and emerging technologies etc
2. Establish and manage the ASRIC Scientific Journals
3. Scientific sectoral meetings/Conferences
Promote knowledge exchange and brain circulation
1. Develop Diaspora engagement programme
2. Establish Diaspora chairs in Africa‟s universities and research institutions
3. Develop intra-Africa senior researchers mobility scheme
Output 3.1 Due recognition given by stakeholders; policy and decision-makers; and partners to STI role in improving Africa’s economy and Africa’s populace livelihood.
Build public understanding while raising awareness on STI as a driving force for socioeconomic transformation of Africa
1. Frequently update/improve the ASRIC website
2. Develop awareness creation materials (policy and technical briefs) through appropriate communication channels (traditional and modern)
3. Conduct awareness campaign workshops
4. Train STI journalists on popularization of STI information
Develop smart partnership with strategic partners both within and outside Africa
1. Develop a partners‟ strategic analysis
2. Establishment of ASRIC Partners‟ Forum
3. Organize a partners workshops Output
Output 3.2 Adequate financial resources mobilized for sustainability of ASRIC
Advocate for ASRIC‟s direct involvement in AUC fund raising process
1. Review the position paper on resource mobilization of ASRIC and re-present it to the STC-ESTI
2. Liaise and request for a meeting with SPPRM for involvement of ASRIC in the fund raising process of the AUC
Mobilization of Alternative Source of funding at all levels
1. Review the existing resource mobilization notes and develop ASRIC comprehensive resource mobilization strategy
2. Organize a resource mobilization workshop with partners and stakeholders
3. Open direct communication channels with potential ASRIC champions (African celebrities, sports, artists, philanthropists, top echelon business leaders etc)
Lobby and advocate for an enhanced support for STI
1. ASRIC Bureau Members to lobby their national representatives in the AU Permanent Representative Council (Ambassadors) to support ASRIC funds allocation.
2. Organize a parliamentarian and policy makers‟ workshop on STI with the view of lobbying to allocate more funds for STI at the national level.
Output 4.1 More participation of ASRIC members in ASRIC decision making process
Conduct ASRIC Congress, Bureau and Scientific Committees meetings timely
1. Conduct Annual Congress meeting
2. Conduct ASRIC Bureau meetings
3. Conduct ASRIC Scientific Committee Meetings
4. Implement ASRIC Decisions