About

In a world characterised by increasingly rapid scientific and technological changes and emerging crises, research and innovation (R&I) are, more than ever, recognised as vital drivers of sustainable and inclusive development. They are critical to addressing pressing societal and economic challenges, accelerate green transition, strengthen climate resilience and crisis preparedness, create new jobs and businesses, and help reduce poverty. They play a central role in achieving all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations 2030 Agenda).

A growing number of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries are incorporating R&I in their national development agendas. Nevertheless, they need to increase the performance of their R&I investments, systems, and policies, enhance their skills development mechanisms, and foster collaboration opportunities between R&I institutions, businesses, academia and civil society.

Meaningful and effective R&I capabilities depend ultimately on the innovation ecosystem and not merely on access to scientific knowledge.  R&I should be seen in a systemic perspective where actors are interdependent, integrated and fully participative.

Despite their differences, the 79 countries belonging to the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) share a great innovative potential that can be harnessed with appropriate funding and the right policy framework conditions.

In this context, the OACPS implements, with funding from the European Union, a new programme which focuses on strengthening R&I capacity in ACP countries and unlocking their innovation potential.

The Programme also builds upon the results of previous ACP-EU initiatives on research, science, technology and innovation.

 

Read the OACPS R&I Programme brochure

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