The knowledge triangle in developing countries: a missed opportunity in university development cooperation?

Implementing agencies:

Ghent University
Wageningen UR Centre for Development Innovation
Nuffic
City of Ghent (Department of North-South cooperation)

Coordinator:
Nancy Terryn, e-mail Nancy.Terryn [at] UGent.be

Duration:
One year

Budget:
€ 49,120.00

Brief description:
One year process building on the consensus that science and technology are crucial for development and that the knowledge triangle - education, research and innovation - is important for a knowledge-based society. By taking cooperation between Dutch, Flemish and Southern African Universities as a case in point, a workshop is to be organised to discuss to what extent the (potential) role of African universities in relation to the knowledge triangle is sufficiently acknowledged and supported. While exploring how the aspect of innovation and service to society can be incorporated more effectively into academic development programmes, the process includes a review of policy strategies in the Netherlands, Flanders and South Africa, and of examples of best practices. The envisaged outcome is a proposal for an innovation strategy that promotes synergy between academia and regional development and private initiatives. To maximise the involvement of African stakeholders, the workshop is going to be held in South Africa.

Website:
innovate.global-connections.nl