The African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) is subtly shifting Africa’s research-policy-practice paradigm in science, technology and innovation (STI).
This shift is characterised by re-designing policy frameworks related to STI, building the capacity of relevant actors and bridging the gap between research outputs and development practice. By conducting cutting edge research, having regular policy engagements and building the capacity of relevant actors across different STI dimensions, the new paradigm is expected to accelerate the pace and improve the quality of development activities in the continent.
The significance of creating a stream of new knowledge, coordinating innovative ideas through relevant policy instruments and developing mechanisms through which these knowledge and ideas can be translated into practice are key elements of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa Union’s Agenda 2063.
In this edition of the ACTS newsletter, we showcase how different projects being implemented by ACTS are enriching continental initiatives geared towards strengthening the research-policy-practice nexus. The initiatives cut across different spheres of STI ranging from creating an enabling policy environment for innovation, accelerating transition to inclusive sustainable and resilient cold-chains and empowering women to control and exploit Kenya’s marine resources.
ACTS is also driving a new national strategy aimed at increasing the use of clean cooking methods to reduce over-reliance on bio-fuels in Kenya; and developing a new continental framework to guide policymakers in formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating policy interventions.
We also give you a glimpse of how ACTS is coordinating a continental platform where PhD students in African universities - within the field of innovation and development studies - can gain more knowledge, interact with leading academics and receive feedback on their PhD studies.
Meanwhile, ACTS, together with partners, is also exploring new ways of converting organic wastes from dairy processing systems into useful products: feed, fibre, bio-energy and industrial raw materials. We also feature details of a new research project investigating better ways of managing water resources in river basins and wetlands in Kenya.
Of course, we cannot talk about technology without artificial intelligence of which a new cohort of scholars have joined the ACTS family under the AI4D Africa programme.
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