ACTS will support the development of a cadre of Africa-centred researchers, analysts and policy makers on STI, knowledge and society, knowledge utilisation, technology transfer, intellectual property, STI roadmaps for SDGs and evaluation of the impact of STI on the development of African countries.
In their book - Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty - economists Daron Acemoglu and James Robinson delve into reasons why some countries prosper socially and economically while others fail. Explaining this dichotomy, the authors posit that nations that prosper socially and economically prioritise application of science and technology, in what they refer to as scientific and technological progress.
In light of the above, the new ACTS Strategic Plan (2022- 2026) provides a clear roadmap on how the centre will consolidate gains made in implementation of its programmes and chart new pathways to strengthen the capacity of African countries and institutions to harness STI for sustainable and inclusive development. This will be done by strengthening and sustaining the recognition of ACTS as a centre of excellence in policy relevant research and development in STI, climate change, energy, agriculture, digital technology and gender, youth and inclusive development. This will be supported by enhance ACTS’ influence and impact through policy advocacy, improved communication, capacity building, knowledge and technology transfer and partnerships.
ACTS will support the development of a cadre of Africacentred researchers, analysts and policy makers on STI, knowledge and society, capacity building, knowledge utilisation, technology transfer, intellectual property, STI roadmaps for SDGs, and evaluation of the impact of STI on the development of African countries. Creating new footprints in the sands of Africa’s STI
Meanwhile, ACTS is also finalising a research strategy that outlines the guiding principles regarding the management, support, and development of research. The strategy will aim to present a framework for the management, support and development of research and innovation activities; align research and innovation activities with the ACTS Strategic Plan 2022 – 2026 strategic objectives and provide an approach for strategic operationalisation of research and innovation activities across programmes. The Director of Research and Innovation, Dr Ann Kingiri, is leading this initiative.
Ultimately, ACTS aims to become a think tank of choice for policy relevant research in the application of STI in strategic thematic areas including climate change, energy, digital innovation, agriculture and food security, gender and youth; inclusive innovation- through quality research, policy.
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