ECA launches an African technology network to generate value from research and development
ECA Press Release No. 45/2010
Addis Ababa, 17 June 2010 (ECA) - The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) has launched a network of community of experts and institutions involved in technology development and transfer in Africa, composed of leading African agencies responsible for technology development, adaptation, diffusion and transfer.
African Technology Development and Transfer Network, as the initiative is called, aims to “generate economic and social value”
from Research and Development (R&D) outputs; facilitate technology adaptation, diffusion and commercialization; and encourage investment in R&D.
Its core function will be to provide a platform, supported by ECA, where small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and institutions in Africa can have their technological and non-technological challenges solved by the collective power of the skills within its membership. Dubbed the “Innovation Workshop”, the platform will combine the advantage of open innovation with those of physical centres of excellence to offer virtual and on-site solutions.
According to the Director of ICT, Science and Technology Division (ISTD), “This regional network of trainers, mentors and coaches could be instrumental in ensuring that science and technology investment translates into products and businesses that contribute to the sustainable development of Africa.” She said the platform could also serve as a powerful tool for expanding global partnerships and regional collaborations that address real life challenges.
The Network will promote learning, exchange of experiences and collaboration across countries and institutions. It is also expected to facilitate cross-border coaching and mentoring of emerging techno-entrepreneurs on the continent – opening up new frontiers and opportunities in science-based businesses.
Among its key activities, the Network will embark on training programmes and awareness workshops on intellectual property protection and management, as well as technology commercialization and exhibitions. In addition, it will offer online platforms, databases and knowledge resources for managers and technology transfer officers, as well as support technology transfer initiatives within firms and SMEs.
The Network stems from the recommendations made during the first Science with Africa Conference, held in 2008 as part of the efforts offered by ISTD with a view to support business development in Africa. Additional innovative initiatives are expected to be launched during the Second Science with Africa Conference. These include the African Science to Business Challenge (ASBC), in partnership with Research Triangle Institute-International, and the African Science, Technology and Innovation Endowment Fund (ASTIEF).
Contact:
Aida Opoku-Mensah,
Director, ICTs, Science and Technology Division (ISTD), UNECA Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Telephone: 251-11 5511167 Fax: 251 11 5510512
Email: [email protected] www.uneca.org/sciencewithafrica
Issued by:
ECA Information and Communication Service P.O. Box 3001
Addis Ababa Ethiopia
Tel: 251 11 5445098 Fax: +251-11-551 03 65 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.uneca.org
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