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DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250718T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250718T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250704T093129Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250710T122941Z
UID:4517-1752854400-1752859800@africalics.org
SUMMARY:Bridging innovation\, green transition\, and digital transformation in Africa: Emerging issues for structural change
DESCRIPTION:Innovation is recognised as key for driving new development pathways that address socio-economic challenges\, including the intersection of today’s megatrends: the climate transition\, digital revolution\, and demographics shifts. In Africa\, a key question remains: How can innovation become transformative in the face of these overlapping challenges and opportunities? \nThis seminar will discuss how African countries can leverage innovation not only as a technological change and upgrade\, but as a vehicle for sustainable industrial development and structural change. Bridging insights from innovation studies and industrial development and policy\, the seminar aims to offer new perspectives on how to harness Africa’s ‘innovation’ for sustained structural transformation and inclusive prosperity of the continent. \nKeynote Speaker \nElvis Korku Avenyo is an Associate Professor at the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI Industrial Development) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ)\, South Africa and a Research Fellow at the United Nations University (UNU)-MERIT. Before joining SARChI Industrial Development\, Elvis was a Senior Researcher at the Centre for Competition\, Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) at UJ and a Research Officer on the Inclusive Digital Model (IDMODEL) Project at the Technology and Management Centre for Development (TMCD)\, Oxford Department of International Development (ODID)\, University of Oxford. He was also a Global Excellence and Stature (GES) Fellow\, and Open AIR’s Queen Elizabeth’s Scholar (QES) at the South African Research Chair in Industrial Development Unit\, University of Johannesburg. He researches broadly on development economics with interests in industrial development\, innovation\, technical change\, labour markets\, firm behaviour\, with a focus on developing countries. He has published in reputable academic journals such as World Development\, Technovation\, Applied Energy\, Research Policy\, European Journal of Development Research\, Journal of Evolutionary Economics\, and South African Journal of Economics. He has worked and co-authored background papers for several international organisations including the International Labour Organization (ILO-Geneva)\, African Centre for Economic Transformation (ACET)\, United Nations Educational\, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)\, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Elvis obtained his Ph.D. in Economics of Innovation\, Policy Studies of Technical Change and Governance from the UNU-MERIT/Maastricht University\, The Netherlands. \nLink to website: https://sites.google.com/view/elvis-korku-avenyo/home \n\n\nHow to register \n\n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/bridging-innovation-green-transition-and-digital-transformation-in-africa-emerging-issues-for-structural-change/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
ORGANIZER;CN="AfricaLics Secretariat":MAILTO:secretariat@africalics.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250724T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250724T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250704T025340Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250709T085240Z
UID:4502-1753372800-1753378200@africalics.org
SUMMARY:AfricaLics webinar & official launch of the innovating resilience: Advancing inclusive agricultural innovation for climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa’ Research Coordination Area (RCA)
DESCRIPTION:Date: 24th July 2025 || Time: 4:00pm – 5:30pm EAT \nInnovative Approaches to Inclusive Agricultural Technologies for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa \nAbstract \nThis webinar will explore how inclusive agricultural innovation can enhance climate resilience\, reduce rural poverty\, and promote sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The speaker will draw on his extensive research and experience in agricultural economics to expound promising approaches such as digital tools\, index insurance\, and social protection linkages that support smallholder farmers and marginalized communities in Africa. The discussion will highlight actionable strategies for ensuring that technological advancements in agriculture are accessible\, equitable\, and scalable in the face of growing climate challenges. \nThe webinar will also serve as the official launch for the ‘Innovating Resilience: Advancing Inclusive Agricultural Innovation for Climate Resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa’ Research Coordination Area (RCA). This RCA seeks to advance conversations around inclusive agricultural innovations for climate resilience in sub-Sahara Africa with particular emphasis on gender\, inequalities and promoting the production of underutilized and indigenous crops through agrobiodiversity\, using agricultural innovation systems approach. This RCA aligns with the AfricaLics agenda\, Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the African Union Agenda 2063 by contributing to knowledge production and dissemination in the field of Innovation and Development (I&D)\, build (strengthen) research capacity and collaboration among scholars\, and providing data and evidence to inform policy decisions on the continent. \nKeynote Speaker \n\n \nProf. Michael R. Carter is a distinguished professor of agricultural and resource economics at the University of California\, Davis and honorary professor of economics at the University of Cape Town. Carter is director of the RIF and former director of the MRR Innovation Lab. Author of numerous scientific publications\, Carter’s current research projects examine poverty dynamics and productive social safety nets\, evaluation of interventions to boost small farm uptake of improved technologies\, and feature a suite of projects that design\, pilot and evaluate index insurance contracts as mechanisms to alleviate chronic poverty and deepen agricultural and rural financial markets. Carter is an elected fellow of NBER (the National Bureau of Economic Research)\, BREAD (Bureau for Research and Economic Analysis of Development) and the American Agricultural Economics Association. He has conducted several projects across Africa. \nModerator (RCA Lead) \n\n \nDr. Mercy F Salami (Senior Lecturer\, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management\, Faculty of Agriculture\, University of Ilorin\, Ilorin\, Nigeria). Her main area of research has been in Development Economics. Under this major research area\, she focuses more on issues of gender\, climate change\, land economics and governance\, poverty\, food security\, and nutrition and\, impact assessment\, with a special focus on Nigeria. \n  \n  \n  \nRCA team members \n\nOther team members supporting the RCA include; \n\n\n\n\nProf. Opeyemi E. Ayinde (Professor of Agricultural Economics and Vice-president of the African Association of Agricultural Economists\, Department of Agricultural Economics and Farm Management\, Faculty of Agriculture\, University of Ilorin);\n\n\n\nDr. Caleb Adelowo (Deputy director of research at the Technology Innovation and Enterprise Studies Department of the National Centre for Technology Management\, Obafemi Awolowo University\, Nigeria);\n\n\n\nRosalyne N. N. Baddoo (Project Manager for ECo-Inveg\, a USAID Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Horticulture Project\, implemented by the Postharvest Innovation Hub\, Department of Crop Science\, University of Ghana)\n\n\n\nAnn Numi (Research fellow at the African Centre for Technology Studies\, ACTS\, Science Technology\, Innovation & Knowledge and Society (STIKS) Programme & Visiting Research Associate at the SARChI-Trilateral Research Chair in Transformative Innovation (TRCTI )\, University of Johannesburg).\n\n\n\nHow to register \n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/africalics-webinar-official-launch-of-the-innovating-resilience-advancing-inclusive-agricultural-innovation-for-climate-resilience-in-sub-saharan-africa-rca/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
ORGANIZER;CN="AfricaLics Secretariat":MAILTO:secretariat@africalics.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250807T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250807T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250728T073833Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250730T115739Z
UID:4594-1754582400-1754587800@africalics.org
SUMMARY:Africa’s LDCS: The STI imperatives for addressing development challenges and enhancing prospects for advancement
DESCRIPTION:The Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are so classified on the basis of their scores determined by the criteria of socio-economic development. Africa has 32 of the world’s 44 LDCs. Graduation from that category of countries signifies the progress that the countries have achieved in their development efforts. This paper discusses the LDCs\, the challenges facing their graduation from the LDC classification and the prospects for upliftment. The classification is based primarily on three core sets of criteria namely\, GNI per capita\, the human asset index (HAI) and the economic and environmental vulnerability index (EVI). The paper argues that these indices present opportunities for Science\, Technology and Innovation (STI) application to address challenges and enhance prospects for advancement. It highlights the challenges intrinsic to the LDCs’ contexts\, and the challenges prevailing in the current global economy and political systems. The paper discusses options for navigating these challenges through STI. LDCs have low STI capacities with relatively lower-than-expected impacts of their STI systems on their economies and societies. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reflect global aspirations\, which are relevant to the development contexts of the LDCs. The current political and economic policy shifts and uncertainties are posing new challenges for the LDCs and constraining their graduation from this category of developing countries. The frontier technologies and the increasing technological innovations are bringing to the fore the importance of prioritizing STI\, which holds the key for addressing conventional and emerging challenges.  This paper concludes that\, there is need for strategic STI capacity development for LDCs\, with emphasis on the areas of the socio-economic indicators for graduation from the LDC category. \nKeynote Speaker  \n\nProf. George Owusu Essegbey \nHe is the Chief Executive Officer CSIR-Technology and Transfer Centre\, Accra\, Ghana and former President of AfricaLics. He was the Director of the Science and Technology Policy Research Institute (STEPRI) of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) of Ghana\, in Accra. He held this position for more than ten years spearheading the institute’s development of research projects and partnerships. He served on a number of national and international Boards including Ghana’s National Development Planning Commission (NDPC). He has several years of experience in Science and Technology (S&T) policy research\, innovation studies\, climate change and sustainable agriculture. He holds a Ph.D. in Development Studies (University of Cape Coast) and M.A. in International Affairs (University of Ghana). He did Ph.D. internship at the United Nations University (Institute for New Technologies\, now UNU-MERIT) in Maastricht\, The Netherlands. Dr. Essegbey was a recipient of a Commonwealth Fellowship at the Policy Research in Engineering\, Science and Technology (PREST) of the University of Manchester\, UK. In the course of his research career\, Dr. Essegbey served various national and international organisations with his expertise including FAO\, UNESCO\, UNCTAD\, UNEP\, WIPO and the World Bank. He was a member of the 10-Member Expert Group supporting the United Nations Technology Facilitation Mechanism with the UN Inter-agency Task Team on Science\, Technology and Innovation (STI) for the SDGs. \n\n\nHow to register \n\n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/africas-ldcs-the-sti-imperatives-for-addressing-development-challenges-and-enhancing-prospects-for-advancement/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
ORGANIZER;CN="AfricaLics Secretariat":MAILTO:secretariat@africalics.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250814T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250814T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250807T054847Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250807T063325Z
UID:4621-1755187200-1755192600@africalics.org
SUMMARY:AfricaLics webinar & official launch of the Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa) Research Coordination Area (RCA)
DESCRIPTION:Webinar Topic: Energy Transition in Africa: Leveraging Critical Minerals for Local Value Addition \nRegister here \nBackground and Rationale \nAfrica is home to significant reserves of critical minerals such as lithium\, cobalt\, nickel\, graphite\, rare earth elements\, and copper—minerals that are central to the global energy transition. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy technologies\, demand for these resources is rising rapidly. However\, the continent’s role in global energy value chains remains primarily extractive\, with limited local beneficiation and value addition. This model risks perpetuating a cycle of external dependency\, environmental degradation\, and missed industrial development opportunities. \nAmidst growing global interest in green technologies\, Africa’s critical minerals present a strategic opportunity to catalyze inclusive\, sustainable development and structural transformation. However\, seizing this opportunity requires a fundamental rethinking of current policy frameworks\, innovation ecosystems\, investment strategies\, and governance models to drive local value addition and foster homegrown technological capabilities. \nThis webinar marks the official launch of the Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa) Research Coordination Area (RCA) under AfricaLics. As the inaugural event of the RCA\, it will set the stage for collaborative research and dialogue on sustainable energy futures in Africa. \nThe session will explore how African countries can strategically harness their critical mineral resources to enable a just and inclusive energy transition\, promote green industrialization\, and strengthen their position within global clean technology value chains. \nWebinar Objectives \n\nTo highlight the role of critical minerals in enabling Africa’s energy transition.\nTo examine the opportunities and challenges of local value addition and beneficiation in Africa’s critical minerals sector.\nTo identify policy\, innovation\, and investment pathways for strengthening Africa’s position in global clean energy value chains.\nTo promote dialogue among African researchers\, policymakers\, private sector actors\, and development partners on strategies for a just and sustainable energy transition.\n\nKey Discussion Themes \n\nThe geopolitical economy of critical minerals and Africa’s role in the global energy transition.\nBarriers and enablers to local beneficiation and manufacturing of clean energy technologies in Africa.\nInnovation and industrial policy strategies for building local capacities in the critical minerals value chain.\nThe role of regional cooperation and continental frameworks such as the AfCFTA\, the African Green Minerals Strategy\, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.\nCase studies on successful local value addition and lessons for scaling.\n\nTarget Participants \n\nPolicymakers and government agencies involved in mining\, energy\, and industrial development.\nResearchers and innovation scholars.\nCivil society organizations and advocacy groups.\nDevelopment finance institutions and donors.\nPrivate sector stakeholders in mining and energy sectors.\nStudents and early-career professionals in relevant fields.\n\nOrganisers \nThis webinar is organised under the Research Coordinating Area of the AfricaLics network by the research team on Innovation and Sustainable Energy Transition in Africa (i-SET Africa). The team leads the thematic area on sustainable energy transitions in Africa\, with a focus on fostering cross-country learning\, research collaboration\, and policy engagement to drive inclusive innovation and green industrial development. \nResearch Coordinating Team on i-SET Africa \n\nThematic Chair Lead Institution: National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM)\, Nigeria\nThematic Chair Lead Person: Dr. Maruf Sanni\, Deputy Director\, NACETEM\nThematic Chair Partner: World Resources Institute (WRI) – Mbeo Ogeya\, Senior Research Associate – Energy Transition\nThematic Chair Partner: National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM)\, Nigeria – Babatunde Adetunji Aodu\, Assistant Chief Research Officer\, NACETEM\n\n\nExpected Outcomes \n\nIncreased awareness of Africa’s critical role in the global energy transition.\nClear articulation of policy and innovation gaps to be addressed for local value addition.\nStrengthened network of stakeholders committed to advancing Africa’s green industrial agenda.\nActionable recommendations for national and regional actors.\n\nFormat and Structure of the Webinar  \n\nWelcome Address & Opening Remarks\nPresentation\nQ&A Session\nWrap-Up & Next Steps\n\nFollow-up Activities \n\nPublication of a post-webinar policy brief and summary report.\nFollow-up webinars and research dissemination activities within the AfricaLics network.\n\nAbout the Speaker \n\nDr. Meron Tesfamichael is the Director of the WRI Africa Energy Program\, leading the Institute’s efforts in two key areas: energy access and clean energy transition. The energy access pillar seeks to identify sustainable\, affordable and reliable energy solutions to communities that lack access or are facing challenges with inadequate or unreliable power supply. Simultaneously\, under the clean energy transition pillar\, support countries in identifying contextually appropriate transition pathways that are in harmony with climate commitments and development needs. \nPrior to joining WRI\, Meron held the position of Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer at University College London\, where her work concentrated on the intersection of energy transition and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa. Meron has extensive background in leading and managing projects across Africa on a range of issues\, including energy access and efficiency\, electrification of cooking\, energy governance\, just transition\, and climate-compatible policies. Under flagship energy programs\, Meron has regularly collaborated with researchers\, public institutions\, and development partners to inform the debate on energy access and transition in Africa. \nMeron holds a Ph.D. in politics and a master’s in liberal studies from the New School for Social Research in the USA and has authored numerous reports and academic papers. Meron is also an advocate for integrated and transdisciplinary perspectives on Africa’s energy challenge as essential for developing equitable\, inclusive\, and sustainable solutions. \nModerator’s bio for the AfricaLics Webinar \n\nDr. Maruf Sanni is the Deputy Director of Research at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM)\, an agency under Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Innovation\, Science and Technology. He holds a PhD in Public Policy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal\, South Africa\, with a specialization in environmental sustainability. His research focuses on the interface between technological change and sustainable development\, particularly in areas such as low-carbon innovation pathways\, climate-resilient development\, and climate change policy. \nDr. Sanni has held research fellowships at leading international institutions\, including the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) in Accra\, Ghana\, and the International Centre for Science and High Technology of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in Trieste\, Italy. He is also a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the European Institute on Economics and the Environment (EIEE)\, Milan\, Italy\, where his work examined eco-innovation and the role of external knowledge sourcing in developing countries. \nIn addition to his research roles\, Dr. Sanni serves as Nigeria’s National Contact Point (NCP) for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) under the Horizon Europe Programme. He is currently the Head of Technology Management Education and Training department at NACETEM\, where he leads capacity-building initiatives in science\, technology\, and innovation (STI) management. \nMbeo Ogeya \n\nMbeo Ogeya is a Senior Research Associate in the Energy Program at World Resources Institute (WRI). He is a seasoned energy systems modeller\, has expertise in Africa’s energy transition\, and systems of innovation. He uses both data analysis and research to help guide decision-making for partners and projects. Currently Mbeo is leading energy transition projects in Rwanda\, DRC and Ethiopia. Before joining WRI\, Mbeo worked with the Africa Energy Commission (AFREC) and the Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)\, where he supported energy projects across Africa. His work has covered topics like energy efficiency\, bioenergy\, mini-grid development\, and renewable energy planning in several African countries. He has over 15 years of experience in energy and climate change research\, project management\, and capacity building. He is a final year PhD candidate in Innovation Systems and Sustainable Development. Mbeo also holds a Master’s in Energy Management and a bachelor’s in industrial chemistry. \nBabatunde A. Aodu \n\nBabatunde A. Aodu is a researcher at the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM). He recently concluded his PhD in Technology Management at the Obafemi Awolowo University (O. A. U.)\, Ile-Ife. His doctoral research focused on sustainable industrialisation in the SMEs sector through green innovation adoption. Babatunde has a M.Sc. (Technology Management) and B.Sc. (Chemistry) from O. A. U. and University of Ilorin\, respectively. He has actively participated in national\, bi-lateral and international research projects such as the IDRC\, GDN\, and NEPAD-ASTII projects\, among others. He is actively contributing to research on STI policy\, green innovation and green transition. \n  \n  \n\nHow to register \n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/official-launch-of-the-innovation-and-sustainable-energy-transition-in-africa-i-set-africa-research-coordination-area-rca/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250904T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250904T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250828T054237Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250903T195032Z
UID:4822-1757001600-1757007000@africalics.org
SUMMARY:Innovation Moving South: Globelics at Twenty
DESCRIPTION:We wish to inform you that the webinar originally scheduled for Thursday 4th September 2025\, has been postponed. The new date will be communicated to you in due course. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your understanding. \n\nOver the past 20 years\, the Global Network on the Economics of Learning\, Innovation\, and Competency Building Systems (Globelics) has significantly enriched and reshaped the field of innovation studies. On the occasion of its 20th anniversary\, this paper reviews the accomplishments of the Globelics network\, points to limitations of past research\, and speculates on future directions. The network has broadened the scope of the field of innovation studies to include the Global South and explored topics and concepts where the South provides a distinctive view. Globelics scholars have pursued both catch-up and build-up approaches to development; brought actors from the margins into the understanding of innovation; and woven the complexity of sustainability into thinking about the dynamics of innovation. The future research agenda includes analyzing the multiple pathways to development\, developing concepts at the global level\, moving beyond case studies and applying complex modelling to understanding system dynamics. \nSpeakers \n\nErika Kraemer-Mbula\, University of Johannesburg\, Johannesburg\, South Africa\nSusan Cozzens\, Georgia Institute of Technology\, Atlanta\, Georgia\, USA\nMichiko Iizuka\, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies\, Tokyo\, Japan\nRasmus Lema\, University of Johannesburg\, Johannesburg\, South Africa\nMarina Szapira\, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro\, Rio de Janeiro\, Brazil\nAndrew Cummings\, Latin American Faculty in Social Sciences (FLASCO)\, El Salvador\n\n\nHow to register \n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/innovation-moving-south-globelics-at-twenty/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
ORGANIZER;CN="AfricaLics Secretariat":MAILTO:secretariat@africalics.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250918T160000
DTEND;TZID=Africa/Nairobi:20250918T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250911T115247Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250911T122512Z
UID:4898-1758211200-1758216600@africalics.org
SUMMARY:An Agenda for Research on Innovation and Development: A conversation with Susan Cozzens
DESCRIPTION:Based on the workshops and summary paper prepared for the 20th anniversary of Globelics\, Susan will lead a discussion of key research challenges for the field to address in the coming decades. She will present the main findings from a paper: “Innovation Moving South: Globelics at Twenty\,” co-authored by Erika Kramer-Mbula\, Susan Cozzens\, Michiko Iizuka\, Rasmus Lema\, Marina Shapiro\, and Andrew Cummings. \nKeynote Speaker \n\nProf. Susan Cozzens \nSusan E. Cozzens is Professor Emerita in the School of Public Policy. Prof. Cozzens’s research interest is innovation and inequality\, with a focus on how science\, technology\, and innovation policies affect the intersections between them. Her current projects are on the potential for artificial intelligence to increase or decrease inequalities and on women in leadership in science-intensive U.S. federal agencies. Prof. Cozzens is on the Scientific Board of GLOBELICS\, the global network on the economics of learning\, innovation\, and competence building systems\, as well as its AfricaLics regional chapter\, and Chair of the Advisory Committee of CESTII\, the Centre for Science\, Technology and Innovation Indicators of the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa. \n\nHow to register \n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/an-agenda-for-research-on-innovation-and-development-a-conversation-with-susan-cozzens/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20251125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20251129
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20250226T040501Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250304T084328Z
UID:4213-1764028800-1764374399@africalics.org
SUMMARY:Globelics International Conference 2025
DESCRIPTION:About Globelics \nThe Global Network for the Economics of Learning\, Innovation\, and Competence Building Systems (Globelics) is the largest global academic community dedicated to innovation and development. Established in 2002\, Globelics provides a platform for South-South knowledge exchange\, and between mature economies and developing nations\, focusing on the role of innovation in fostering social and economic development as well as effective policymaking. Through its annual conferences and regional and national chapters (AfricaLics\, AsiaLics\, LaLics\, EuroLics\, NACLICS\, MEDAlics\, CICALICS\, IndiaLICS and NigeriaLICS)\, Globelics promotes academic collaboration\, learning and the sharing of evidence-based experiences that can inform innovation policies globally. \n\nThe Globelics International Conference 2025 \nThis year’s conference focuses on innovation for sustainable and inclusive development to build resilience in the context of growing inequality\, climate change and geopolitical disruptions\, particularly as they affect developing nations. Against the backdrop of South Africa’s G20 presidency\, the Globelics conference serves as a crucial intellectual forum that aligns with and reinforces the G20 objectives. Both platforms emphasise the transformative power of innovation in addressing global challenges by promoting collaborative innovation policies that prioritise inclusivity and sustainability. The conference will draw from the G20 discussion and contribute insights and recommendations that can shape the leadership role of Africa and the Global South on the world stage\, ensuring that the voices of developing nations are amplified in the G20’s decisions and outcomes. \nThis year’s conference is organised by a consortium of Globelics members in South Africa\, co-hosted by South Africa’s National Research Foundation\, and the DSI/NRF Trilateral Chair in Transformative Innovation\, the 4IR and Sustainable Development (University of Johannesburg)\, with partners in Tshwane University of Technology\, the University of Witwatersrand\, and the Human Sciences Research Council. \n\nConference Themes \nThe conference welcomes papers that connect innovation efforts to sustainable and inclusive development objectives. Suggested themes and sub-themes include: \n1) Innovation and Inequality Reduction \n\nInnovation systems addressing socio-economic disparities\nInnovation in\, for and by marginalised communities\nIndigenous knowledge\, informal sector\, innovation and development\nGender\, innovation and development\nSkilled migration\, brain drain and innovation\n\n2) Climate Crisis and Sustainable Innovation \n\nInnovation as a tool for climate adaptation and mitigation\nPolicy strategies for fostering green innovation\nInnovation\, sustainable development and energy in the South\n\n3) Geopolitical Disruptions and Resilient Innovation Systems \n\nInnovation system responses to global instability\nRegional collaboration to strengthen innovation and resilience\nInstitutional frameworks for multistakeholder engagement\n\n4) Digital Transformation and Data Infrastructure \n\nDigital innovation and marginalised communities\nCase studies of digital transformation in developing regions\nDigital technologies for the green transition in developing countries\n\n5) Innovation Policy for Global Development Goals \n\nReflexive governance and policy experimentation for innovation\nPublic-private partnerships for innovation\nScience\, technology and innovation policy and politics\n\n6) Multi-level innovation systems \n\nTechnological systems\, learning and innovation\nSectoral innovation systems\, industrial policy and development\nTechnological infrastructure and technological capabilities\nNational\, regional and local innovation systems\nUniversity relationships with industry and society: the developmental university\n\n7) Innovation and capabilities in firms and economies \n\nWork organisation\, education and economic development\nTrade\, FDI\, value chains and global innovation networks\nInnovation\, growth and catching up\nOrganisational learning\, firm capabilities\nInnovation management and entrepreneurship\n\n8) Theoretical and methodological advances in Innovation & Development Studies \n\nEmpirical methodologies\, data requirements\, indicators\, different approaches and methodologies\nNew methods in Innovation & Development\nTheoretical developments in innovation studies\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSubmission Guidelines \n\n\n\n\nSubmissions for oral presentations\, special sessions\, and poster presentations must align with conference themes. Papers should not exceed 8\,000 words and must be in English. \nFor more information about submission guidelines please visit the page. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConference Fees \nConference fees vary by country classification and participant type. Accepted paper presenters receive accommodation support. More information about conference fees and coverage. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nKey Dates: \n\nSubmission deadline: 16th May 2025\nNotification of acceptance: 20th June 2025\nConfirmation of travel arrangements by the participants: 1st October 2025\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nContact and more information \nFor more details contact Globelics2025@uj.ac.za \n\n\nDownload \n\nCall for papers – Globelics International Conference 2025
URL:https://africalics.org/event/globelics-international-conference-2025/
LOCATION:National Research Foundation\, Pretoria\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Conferences,Virtual Events
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T160000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260226T173000
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20260224T083114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T084003Z
UID:5256-1772121600-1772127000@africalics.org
SUMMARY:From Discrimination to Commitment: diversity management in emerging economies
DESCRIPTION:Register Here \nDecades of HR diversity management research in the Global North has examined the impact of negative stereotypes on organisational outcomes. Yet\, understanding is limited in the Global South\, notably in post-colonial countries like Nigeria\, where indigenous multi-ethnicity complicates perceptions of employee commitment and discrimination against specific social identities. This study investigates the relationship between age discrimination and employee commitment\, moderated by diversity management\, within the Nigerian banking industry. Utilising a quantitative explanatory approach and drawing on social exchange theory\, data were collected from 656 employees in the Nigerian banking sector through survey questionnaires. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)\, confirmatory factor analysis\, and Cronbach alpha techniques were employed for hypothesis testing and reliability assessment. The findings reveal a negative association between perceived age discrimination and employee commitment within the Nigerian banking sector. The findings suggest a need for integrating diversity management policies with HR practice fairness (policy-practice exchange)\, tailored to the contextual nuances of employee inequality experiences (context-experience exchange). The study contributes to HRM theory and practice. Drawing on social exchange theory\, we show that diversity management in Global South organisations necessitates prioritising the integration (or exchange) of HRM practice with practice fairness. This approach is crucial for fostering employee commitment and addressing discrimination based on specific identities like age. \nKeywords: Age Discrimination\, Employee Commitment\, Diversity Management\, Age\, Nigerian Banking Sector \n\nSpeaker \nOluwatomi Adedeji is a Senior Lecturer in Organisational Behaviour in the Department of Leadership\, Management and Human Resources. Dr. Oluwatomi has 11 years of experience in teaching and research. She is an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)\, UK. Oluwatomi hold an M.A. in Human resouces management from Coventry University\, UK and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Business and Management from the University of Huddersfield. \nOluwatomi’s research interest cuts across the fields of Human Resource Management; particular interests are Organisational Behaviour\, Employee Commitment\, Diversity and Conflict Management\, Age discrimination among others. In her doctorial research\, Oluwatomi researched on how age inclusive HR practices are related to perceptions of age discrimination and in turn how perceived age discrimination is associated with employee commitment and turnover intention as well as how diversity management interacts with this association. Oluwatomi is actively engaged in research projects and activities both nationally and internationally. \n\n\nHow to register \n\n\n\n\nIf you are interested in attending the webinar\, please register via this link or get in touch with Ms. Yvonne Gitu at Y.Gitu@acts-net.org for more details. \nAfter registering\, you will receive a confirmation email from AfricaLics Zoom account containing information about joining the webinar. Please ensure you add the invitation to your calendar.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/from-discrimination-to-commitment-diversity-management-in-emerging-economies/
LOCATION:Online via Zoom\, Kenya
CATEGORIES:Virtual Events,Webinar Series
ORGANIZER;CN="AfricaLics Secretariat":MAILTO:secretariat@africalics.org
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261102
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261113
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20260302T110719Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260420T090529Z
UID:5290-1793577600-1794527999@africalics.org
SUMMARY:Call for Applications - 12th AfricaLics PhD Academy
DESCRIPTION:** Submission deadline extended to 1st May 2026** \nThe 12th AfricaLics Ph.D. Academy on Innovation and Competence Building Systems will be held in Johannesburg\, hosted by the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and the AfricaLics Research Capacity Strengthening Project. \n\nCall for applications \nThe AfricaLics network is an academic research and capacity-strengthening network that focuses on how innovation (the process through which new or improved products\, processes\, organisational forms\, ways of working\, and acting are introduced into new environments) occurs and the relationship this has with economic and social development in African countries.  Such research is becoming known in the network as ‘innovation and development studies’ because it is at the intersection of innovation studies and development studies. \nThe 12th AfricaLics PhD Academy offers PhD students enrolled at African universities who work in the field of innovation and development studies the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of this burgeoning field\, meet leading academics in the field\, and receive feedback on their PhD studies. \nThe 12th AfricaLics PhD Academy will be held as an in-person event at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) campus in Johannesburg\, South Africa. It will be held alongside the 7th AfricaLics Research Conference (https://africalicssouthafrica.witsevents.co.za/) scheduled for 10 – 12 November 2026. \nThis is a call for students enrolled in a PhD at an African university who work in the field of innovation and development studies to apply to participate in this residential PhD Academy event. \nInnovation and development studies \nThe AfricaLics network was founded in 2012 due to a growing recognition of the need for more support for academic ‘research on innovation’ that had relevance to the contextual environments of African countries.  This burgeoning body of work by African scholars is essential to ensure ‘research in innovation’ (i.e.\, research and development of specific inventions that can help solve practical problems)\, where most innovation policy and funding attention is focused\, can be effectively supported.  The concept of ‘research on innovation’ focuses on innovation processes\, what fosters innovation and on what may help new solutions get accepted and adopted.  It is particularly interested in understanding the impact of innovation on the social and economic development of African countries.  It considers these issues at the level of firms\, networks\, and collaborations as well as at the national\, continental\, and global levels. As such the work of scholars in the AfricaLics network is multidisciplinary being at the intersection of the established academic fields of innovation studies and development studies. \nThis multidisciplinary field includes researchers from a range of disciplines often studying innovation studies\, the economics of innovation\, innovation management\, technology management\, science and technology studies.  However\, the network also includes those from other more disciplinary fields such as engineering\, economics and political science. \nWho is eligible to apply? \nPhD students working in innovation and development studies and who are principally interested in how innovation relates to economic and social development in Africa are the main target group for the PhD Academy. \nThe Academy will host approximately 20-25 students from Africa and a handful of students from other parts of the world. \nSpecifically\, PhD students who wish to participate will need to fulfil the following requirements: \n\nwork explicitly on issues related to policy-oriented analysis of science\, technology and innovation\nbe able to present an original paper reflecting his/her research and/or thesis work that fits within the thematic areas of the AfricaLics network\npreferably be at least at the beginning of his/her second year at the time of the academy (a small number of first-year PhD students may be accepted)\n\nIf you are in doubt as to whether you can apply\, please contact us using the email address at the bottom of the call. \nWe will have a limited number of places available to master’s students studying in South Africa.  These selected students will be granted observer status i.e. can attend but will not present their work. \nMaster degree students who wish to participate will need to fulfil the following requirements: \n\nbe a registered Masters student in a South African university on a degree programme in the area of economics\, business or management studies\, sociology or development studies or similar\nhave a Masters project that will focus on an aspect of innovation studies (i.e. innovation management or innovation systems)\n\nTo improve diversity in the emerging academic community on innovation and development studies research in Africa\, we encourage female scholars and those from low-income countries to apply. \nDesign of the Academy \nThe Academy will invite frontier researchers in innovation and development from around the world to deliver lectures and mentor students.  The Academy also provides opportunities for PhD students to share their work and learn new skills. As such\, the Academy is made up of the following activities: \n\nLectures by senior researchers on areas ranging from research methodologies to the latest theories and empirical research in the fields of innovation\, innovation management and science policy.\nPresentations by doctoral students of their work with feedback from the senior scholars facilitating at the event.\nSessions focused on enabling interaction between students\, practitioners and policy makers on innovation and development issues\nStudy visits to innovation hubs\, innovative businesses and/or similar organisations\nSessions that focus on key skills that students need to complete their PhD and become successful academic researchers such as publishing or project management skills\nA practical project that helps students think through how to ensure their PhD project is addressing developmental issues and how to ensure results will be articulated to relevant policy and practitioner stakeholders.\nA two-day supervision workshop focusing on topics such as what good supervision looks like\, the student-supervisor relationship and key tools for the PhD journey (planning\, good work habits and how to deal with feedback).\n\nThe Academy’s language of instruction will be English. We will not be able to provide translation services. A good level of spoken and written English will be required by students accepted into this Academy. \nAn overview of the likely programme for the Academy is provided in Appendix 1. \nHow to apply \nPhD students who apply must submit an extended abstract of their PhD thesis\, not exceeding five (5) pages. \nMaster’s students who apply must submit an extended abstract of their Master’s project\, not exceeding two (2) pages. \nThe abstract must be submitted together with a covering letter\, the applicant’s CV\, and a recommendation letter from the applicant’s principal PhD/ Master’s supervisor or a senior scholar who is familiar with the applicant’s work. \nThese documents should be sent to the AfricaLics Secretariat (phd-academy@africalics.org) on or before 23:00 hours East Africa time on Friday\, 1st May 2026. \nFormat of abstracts \nAbstracts should be typed double-spaced in English with font size 12. The abstract must include the following sections: \n\nBackground and literature review\nThe research objectives or research questions\nMethodology including the data collection and analysis techniques to be used\,\nExpected contribution to academia and policy discussions.\nReferences\n\nPlease also make it clear in your application if you are preparing a thesis by publication or manuscript/ monograph thesis. \nSelection \nAll extended abstracts will be reviewed by at least two senior scholars from a review panel comprising members of the AfricaLics Scientific Board\, the AfricaLics Secretariat\, the AfricaLics RCS team\, and the host University. \nSelection will be made based on the academic quality of extended abstracts as well as on the basis of criteria aimed at promoting diversity (by location\, gender\, etc.).  Selection criteria for AfricaLics events are published on the AfricaLics website: http://www.africalics.org/selection-criteria/ \nSuccessful applicants will be notified by 15th May 2026 of their acceptance to the Academy. \nSponsorship and travel support \nSuccessfully selected participants will be expected to arrive on Sunday 01 November 2026 and leave on the night of Thursday 12 November 2026. The airport to arrive and depart from is OR Tambo International Airport. Airport shuttle arrangements will be made by the organisers. \nThe AfricaLics Research Capacity Strengthening (RCS) project will cover the cost of 11 nights of accommodation\, on a dinner\, bed and breakfast basis\, during the Academy for accepted PhD students. No daily subsistence allowance or stipend is provided but lunch and 2 refreshment breaks will be provided during the academy. Students should be expected to bring sufficient funds with them to cover the cost of any sightseeing and lunch on Sunday\, 08 November. \nThe AfricaLics RCS project also has funding to cover the costs of economy-class return airfares for those attending who are registered at an African university based in a country classified by the OECD as ‘least developed’\, ‘low income’ or ‘low middle income’\, and who will be attending from outside South Africa. \nIf you are interested in applying for this travel support\, please indicate as such in your cover letter and ensure that your cover letter and the support letter from your supervisor indicate how you have tried to find alternative sources of funding for your trip In addition\, such applicants must indicate that they have (a) tried to source funding from elsewhere and (b) have been unable to source alternative funding. Only those from African countries classified by OECD as least developed\, low or low-middle-income can apply for this travel support.  These applicants will be asked to complete a travel support request form. Details of this process will be made available once an applicant has received confirmation of their acceptance at the academy. Acceptance at the academy does not automatically guarantee financial support to cover the cost of your air ticket. If financial support is given to cover the cost of an air ticket\, the amount of support awarded may not cover the whole cost of the air ticket. No support is provided for ancillary costs associated with your travel e.g. visa costs\, other transport costs. Please note that travel support is provided on a reimbursement basis only\, except in exceptional circumstances. Please see AfricaLics travel support policy here: https://africalics.org/travel-support/ \nAll accepted applicants will be responsible for their own visa and travel insurance arrangements\, including the cost of these. \nConfirmation of attendance and final paper upload  \nAll successful applicants are expected to confirm their participation by 23:00 hours East African Time on Tuesday\, 1st September 2026; otherwise\, their place will be offered to another applicant. \nAll selected participants who confirm attendance will also be expected to upload a final FULL paper (details of this will be given in your acceptance letter) by 23:00 hours East African time on Monday\, 5th October 2026.  The full paper should be a full project proposal (for Master’s students) or a chapter of\, or paper from\, your thesis that you would like to present and get feedback on during the Academy (for PhD students). \nOrganisation and support \nThe 12th AfricaLics Ph.D. Academy is organised by Wits University in Johannesburg\, South Africa with support from the AfricaLics RCS project hosted at the African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS)\, Kenya. The event is financially supported by Wits University\, the AfricaLics network\, and Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency). \nThe local organising committee at Wits University is led by: Prof. Geci Karuri-Sabina. Day-to-day organisation of the Academy at Wits University is the responsibility of Dr Amy Matua. Organisation of the Academy at the AfricaLics RCS project is being managed by Prof. Rebecca Hanlin. \n\nContacts \nFor any queries or questions about the academy contact: rebeccah@uj.ac.za \nFor general queries about Wits University: amy.mutua@wits.ac.za \nFor general queries about the AfricaLics RCS project: RCS@africalics.org \nFor general queries about AfricaLics: secretariat@africalics.org
URL:https://africalics.org/event/12th-phd-academy/
CATEGORIES:PhD Academies,Virtual Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://africalics.org/wp-content/uploads/AfricaLics_PhD_Academy.avif
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261110
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261113
DTSTAMP:20260425T061607
CREATED:20260319T055938Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T121440Z
UID:5436-1794268800-1794527999@africalics.org
SUMMARY:Call for Papers - 7th AfricaLics Research Conference
DESCRIPTION:The 7th AfricaLics Conference seeks to critically reflect on the relationship between innovation and society in Africa — examining power\, inequality\, and the social dimensions of innovation in the digital age. It calls for new\, forward-thinking approaches to achieving shared development goals across the continent and globally. \nSub-Themes: \n\nHistorical\, theoretical and conceptual perspectives on innovation and development\nPolitical economy challenges for innovation in Africa\nDigital revolution\, AI\, and the African gig economy\nThe creative sector\, arts\, and innovation\nAfrican knowledge traditions and innovation systems\nSustainability-oriented innovation (energy\, water\, agriculture\, manufacturing\, etc.)\nInnovation policies and socio-economic transformation (STISA 2034\, Agenda 2063\, SDGs)\nFinancing innovation in key economic sectors\nInnovation for sustainable health and wellbeing\nInclusive innovation\, education and development (gender\, youth\, disability)\n\nWays to Participate: \n\n1. Paper Presenter \nSubmit original\, unpublished papers (max 8\,000 words) aligned to conference sub-themes\n2. Thematic Session Organiser \nSubmit concept notes for special sessions\n3. Poster Presenter \nSubmit a one-page overview of your poster presentation\n4. Day Delegate \nAttend full conference; open to policymakers\, researchers\, and practitionersCall for Abstracts Now Open! \nImportant Dates: \n\n\nAbstract collection opens: 24 November 2025\nConference registration opens: 2 February 2026\nPaper submission deadline: 31 May 2026\nPoster submission deadline: 1 July 2026\nConference registration deadline: 15 October 2026\n\nSubmit your work on or before the above deadlines (max 8\,000 words) \n\nFollow this link to learn more on the conference website.
URL:https://africalics.org/event/call-for-papers-7th-africalics-research-conference/
LOCATION:Wits School of Governance\,\, 2 St. David’s Place\, Parktown\, Johannesburg\, South Africa
CATEGORIES:Conferences,Virtual Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://africalics.org/wp-content/uploads/7th_AfricaLics_Research_Conference.avif
ORGANIZER;CN="University of the Witwatersrand":MAILTO:conferences.witsenterprise@wits.ac.za
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