The recent Workshop of the Mutual Learning Exercise (MLE) on Building National Research and Innovation (R&I) Funds, held under the Policy Support Facility (PSF), has proven to be a pivotal platform for exchanging insights, successes, and challenges in the development and implementation of national R&I funds. This collaborative initiative provides a significant opportunity for participating countries to showcase best practices and outcomes, while also facilitating the refinement of existing mechanisms and addressing any shortcomings.
Engagement and Participation
The PSF-MLE is particularly beneficial for countries that have already established R&I funds, allowing them to highlight successful strategies and outcomes. For those in the early stages of establishing R&I funds or still in the planning phase, engagement in the PSF-MLE offers invaluable lessons from the experiences of others, helping to avoid potential pitfalls and ensure efficient resource allocation.
Furthermore, the MLE fosters the creation of a robust network among national public authorities responsible for R&I, promoting ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and mutual support beyond the duration of the workshop.
Workshop Highlights in Lomé, Togo
In this context, representatives from twenty OACPS countries convened in Lomé, Togo, from May 5–10, 2024, to share their experiences and insights on advancing the development of R&I funds in their respective nations. Approximately 60 participants, including representatives from national and international R&I funds, ministries, and authorities responsible for Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI), attended the three-day knowledge exchange and capacity-building meeting from May 6–8. The event was also supported by the regional authority, Indian Ocean Commission, and saw virtual participation from Kenya and Tanzania.
The workshop commenced with an opening by high-level representatives from Togo’s Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) and a representative from the EU Delegation in Togo. The event featured interactive knowledge exchange sessions, focusing on the challenges and successful practices observed in participating countries concerning the establishment and implementation of national R&I funds. ⇒ Watch the video recap of the Lomé meeting
Development of a Comprehensive Handbook
A significant outcome of the workshop is the forthcoming release of a comprehensive ‘Handbook on the Development and Implementation of National Research and Innovation Funds’. This handbook will serve as a valuable resource for policymakers and practitioners involved in establishing and managing R&I funds. It will include a compilation of challenges encountered by countries during the development and implementation of such funds, along with practical suggestions for overcoming them.
The handbook will also feature a regional benchmarking analysis, presenting both successful practices and challenges in the design and execution of national R&I funds. By examining primary R&I instruments and funding mechanisms across several African countries and beyond, the handbook will provide crucial insights and guidance for policymakers aiming to enhance their R&I ecosystems.
Capacity Building and Strategic Recommendations
The capacity-building workshop, held as part of the event, equipped participants with practical skills and insights necessary for the effective establishment and management of national R&I funds. Key areas of focus included the design and implementation of governance structures, resource mobilization, legal frameworks, and strategies for financial sustainability.
These insights were further refined during the final event and validation workshop of the PSF service in Togo, held on May 10, 2024, at the Togo Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The final event aimed to validate the policy recommendations report, which provides a step-by-step guide for national authorities on establishing the Fonds de Soutien à la Recherche et à l’Innovation (FSRI) in Togo.
Media Coverage and Public Engagement
The workshop received extensive coverage from national media, including newspapers and television, such as L’Interview and Full-News, emphasising the importance of creating national innovation funds. A video documenting the event’s key moments and objectives further showcased the efforts to establish these funds, significantly raising public awareness and engagement in the region.
- Establishment of National Funds: 20 OACPS Countries Participate in a Workshop in Lomé
- Research and Innovation: OACPS for the Creation of National Funds: Full News and Linterview
- Watch the broadcast on Télévision Togolaise
Conclusion
Overall, the PSF-MLE workshop and the accompanying handbook represent significant milestones in the collective effort to strengthen research and innovation capacities across the OACPS region. Through collaborative learning and knowledge sharing, participating countries are paving the way for more effective and impactful R&I initiatives, ultimately contributing to sustainable development and prosperity.
