Collaborative Research at the Campus Franco Sénégalais: Challenges and Opportunities.

This article presents an in-depth study that examines the challenges and opportunities of collaborative research at the Campus Franco Sénégalais (CFS). The study highlights the necessity of such an approach by shedding light on the current challenges in the Senegalese research and innovation ecosystem. It emphasizes the importance of a higher education system open to the industrial world for socio-economic development. The study utilizes a combination of qualitative research methods. Firstly, an in-depth documentary desk study was conducted to better understand the context of collaborative research in Senegal. Subsequently, semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with selected stakeholders based on their expertise and involvement in research, innovation, higher education, or the socio-economic world. The interviews, based on a semi-structured questionnaire, delved into the participants’ opinions, experiences, and recommendations. In conclusion, this work emphasizes the expected impact of collaborative research within the CFS and calls for strengthening such an approach, promoting a culture of innovation within the Senegalese higher education system at large. Keywords: CFS, Senegal, collaborative research, innovation, socio-economic development