By Moses Owidhi
This blog is based on highlights and discussions held during the ‘Building Research and Policy Capacities on Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems in Burkina Faso’ webinar – held on 27th July 2023. The keynote speaker of the webinar was Dr. Natéwindé Sawadogo (Université Ki Zerbo II, Burkina Faso).
Introduction
In the ever-evolving landscape of history and philosophy of sciences, a significant shift has occurred since the 1970s. What was once predominantly a realm of philosophical inquiry has expanded to include perspectives drawn from the social sciences. Science and technology are no longer confined to the realm of knowledge and abstract concepts; they are now recognized as institutions, intricate systems of practices that are ripe for empirical investigation, much like any other social phenomenon. This profound transformation has given rise to a new discipline known as the social studies of science and innovation, an application of social science perspectives to the realms of scientific and technological institutions, practices, and innovation processes.
This shift in perspective has brought about a unique approach to understanding the role of science and technology in driving social transformation. It has laid the groundwork for a new form of social engineering, one that capitalizes on the nuanced interactions between scientific advancement, technological innovation, and societal change. This convergence of disciplines, research communities, and institutions has given birth to a dynamic field that explores concepts, disciplines, laboratories, science policies, and more. It’s a field that examines the intricate relationships between technological development, innovation, and the societies in which they are embedded.
In this era of the knowledge society, the importance of innovation studies cannot be overstated, particularly in regions where scientific development is a pressing need. One such region is Africa, which has seen limited opportunities for the social studies of science to flourish. However, a promising window has opened up in the last decade, presenting an opportunity for African scholars to reshape the agenda in this field. This movement holds the potential to offer a unique Southern perspective on the intertwining of science, technology, and society.
Discussion
FasoLics (Burkina Faso Network for the Study of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems) is committed to fostering a national scientific community with a deep interest in Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies for development. This commitment is being realized through several ambitious endeavors:
- Nurturing a national scientific community: FasoLics aims to create a platform for scholarly exchange by establishing a national chapter of AfricaLics. This initiative serves as a hub for like-minded individuals who are invested in advancing the understanding of science, technology, and innovation’s role in development.
- Regional training programs: Collaboration is key to driving progress, and FasoLics recognizes this. The initiative is working on developing regional training programs in innovation studies at the Université Thomas SANKARA. By bridging the gap between Francophone and Anglophone scholars, these programs facilitate a rich exchange of ideas that leverages the bilingual expertise of the team.
- Inter–university research agenda: Recognizing the need to address gaps in research and training, FasoLics is laying the groundwork for an inter-university research agenda in Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies. By initiating collective research projects and fostering collaboration among universities within Burkina Faso and the broader Francophone region, this initiative aims to contribute significantly to the field.
- Strengthening teaching capacities: Effective teaching is crucial to driving meaningful change. FasoLics is dedicated to enhancing the capacities of university teachers in the field of science, technology, and innovation (STI). This capacity-building effort ensures that the next generation of scholars is well-equipped to tackle complex challenges.
- Institutionalizing innovation studies: The ripple effect of FasoLics’ work goes beyond its borders. The initiative seeks to spearhead the institutionalization of innovation and development studies in Francophone Africa by supporting colleagues in other countries to develop similar programs.
The story of FasoLics is not just one of initiatives and aspirations; it’s a story of a collective commitment to reshaping the narrative of STI in Africa. This journey holds the promise of fostering intellectual growth and contributing to tangible development, progress, and empowerment across the continent. As the world moves forward in the age of information, FasoLics will promote the transformative power of interdisciplinary collaboration and the potential of African scholars to lead the way in shaping a more equitable and prosperous future.
FasoLics Activities
FasoLics, driven by its commitment to advancing STI Studies for development, has embarked on a transformative journey with a comprehensive array of initiatives. The establishment of a national chapter of AfricaLics stands as a cornerstone of this endeavor, creating a vibrant platform for scholarly exchange and collaboration. Alongside this, FasoLics is championing the cause of knowledge dissemination and capacity-building through Ph.D. Academies in innovation, empowering the next generation of scholars with a profound understanding of innovation dynamics. The annual FasoLics Symposia further enriches this landscape, fostering meaningful dialogues and insights at the intersection of innovation and development. The initiative’s vision extends to education with the development of regional Master’s degrees in Innovation and Development, and in Research Management and Evaluation, enhancing expertise and equipping individuals to drive effective change. Committed to reaching a wider audience, FasoLics is crafting a short course in innovation and regional development, facilitating skill acquisition and knowledge dissemination. Recognizing the pivotal role of educators, the initiative is dedicated to training university teachers in instructional design and online teaching, ensuring a high standard of education delivery. The intellectual engagement continues with monthly seminars on innovation, cultivating a culture of ongoing learning and collaboration. FasoLics thrives on interdisciplinary cooperation, demonstrated by the creation of thematic research groups that delve into specific areas of innovation. On a broader scale, the initiative extends its support to Central Africa by aiding the development of innovation modules and master’s programs in Francophone countries, catalyzing transformative change across the region. Through these multifaceted efforts, FasoLics is not only shaping the landscape of Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies but also paving the way for sustainable development and progress in Africa.
Research programmes
FasoLics, in its pursuit of advancing STI studies for development, places a strong emphasis on understanding the different dimensions of the political economy of innovation in ICT in Africa. This research endeavor encompasses several interconnected themes that shed light on Africa’s unique trajectory. Delving into the continent’s past, FasoLics examines the decline of the industrial society in Africa, unraveling the historical underpinnings that have shaped its economic and technological landscape. The initiative then pivots to dissect Africa’s emergence within the framework of the network society, where digital connectivity and information exchange redefine traditional boundaries and offer new avenues for growth. The exploration of Africa’s role within the network society further extends to a critical analysis of how this technological transformation intersects with the overarching goal of development. FasoLics’ research areas encapsulate the intricate relationship between political, economic, and technological forces, providing valuable insights into the interplay of innovation, society, and progress in the context of a rapidly evolving Africa.
Potential partners
FasoLics has identified several institutions as potential partners, each contributing unique expertise. Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Université Nazi Boni, and Université Norbert Zongo stand as pillars of academic excellence, bringing research acumen and educational innovation to the network. The Ecole Nationale Supérieure and Centre National de Recherche Scientifique et Technologique offer specialized knowledge and hands-on experience in scientific research and technological development. By forging these partnerships, FasoLics aims to create a robust network that fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, enriches knowledge-sharing, and amplifies the impact of Science, Technology, and Innovation Studies for development across Burkina Faso and beyond.
About the speaker
Dr. Natéwindé Sawadogo – University of Thomas SANKARA/FasoLics
Experienced Researcher with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Professional Services, Philosophy Of Science, Science, Sociology of Law, and Higher Education Research. Strong research professional with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) focused in Science and Technology Studies from the University of Nottingham (ISS-School of Sociology & Social Policy).
About FasoLics
FasoLics stands for Burkina Faso Network for the study of Learning, Innovation, and Competence Building Systems. FasoLics is set up to be a platform for multidisciplinary scholarly and technical debates around the key themes of the interuniversity program on Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation, initiated by Thomas SANKARA University in collaboration with The National Centre for Scientific and Technological Research, the Ecole Normal Superieur, Nazi BONI University, Joseph KI-ZERBO University, and Norbert ZONGO University.
