By Ameha Mulugeta
The Globelics community is a large research network with the aim of building research competency of researchers in innovation studies. Scholars in the south are tied up with many constraints hindering their pursuit for knowledge. However, Globelics community’s belief-that countries in the south have huge potential for research – has paved favorable and encouraging environment. Globelics runs various research capacity building programs. Following the footsteps of Globelics, and with its support, a network of African scholars in the field of innovation and science and Technology – also called AfricaLics – has been recently launched. Funded by Sida, the AfricaLics Secretariat has organized a number of PhD Academies, Conferences and short-term PhD fellowships, aimed at nurturing research capacity of African researchers in the field of innovation and development.
My initial interaction with these two communities began at the 12th Globelics international conference held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2014. I was informed about the conference and paper submission dates by a colleague and friend who participated in pervious Globelics’ events. By presenting a paper at the conference, I was able to interact and experience the ‘Work Hard – Have Fun’ motto. I was also informed about a new pilot program of AfricaLics to support African PhD students with a Sandwich study program in association with Aalborg University in Denmark. Fortunately, I was accepted to be among the first visiting PhD fellows at Aalborg University. This experience has been remarkable in assisting me and other visiting fellows to be in touch with various scholars –especially within the IKE (Innovation, Knowledge and Economic Dynamics) research group. I would say the success behind the pilot program is not mainly the opportunity to use various resources at Aalborg University, but the hospitality and positive attitude of the Globelics family. It is an opportunity to learn from their working environment and explore ones potential to do something bigger. Visiting a new country by itself has many challenges, starting from visa processing in home country, travel, accommodation issues, homesickness, weather shocks, administrative issues (university as well as governmental) and others. In my experience, most of these challenges were mitigated by the strength of Globelics admin and their endless effort to resolve issues raised by all visiting fellows. After this program, I have attended the 3rd AfricaLics Academy in Mombasa and the 2nd AfricaLics Conference in Kigali. These events have given me the opportunity to network with my African and Indian brothers and sisters with whom I still keep in touch and share valuable information.
The whole experience with Globelics and AfricaLics community has been remarkable and I consider it among my major achievements. What strikes me most about these networks is that they are driven by personal interest of the members. Their common goal, which is to build capacity of developing economies in general and Africa in particular, is truly amazing. I have been able to meet my brothers and sisters from Africa and other continents doing their PhD because various events organized by AfricaLics. The network has been priceless in sharing new information that participants can utilize. This, I would say, is among the top achievements of AfricaLics and Globelics. Recognition of Africa’s potential to do remarkable things is well visible in the community. However, I believe there is one thing that still needs to be emphasized more in future – collaborative research. I know AfricaLics has provided seed funding and aims to include more African researchers in key but under explored research areas. This needs to be strengthened with participation of many young African scholars.
Finally, I urge young African scholars interested in innovation and competency building fields to engage and work with Globelics/ AfricaLics community. We, Africans, have the potential to do amazing things! This community is at our fingertips to provide us a communication platform. Please let us use it effectively! Visit their website and apply to the next event coming up. Be part of this amazing community and enjoy being an African scholar!