South Africa 2017 - Laying the Groundwork for Research and Innovation

TL;DR

African countries need to invest in research and innovation, build a culture of science, foster mentorship and support, and prioritize evidence-based decision making.

Transcript

good morning so we're going to be speaking about a lot of science so I like it just to cheer up a little bit okay because you look scared and yeah so please yeah it's gonna be fun I promise right good morning once again my name is Bonnie - I work for CNBC Africa we tell African Financial stories on the continent and today I'm excited to talk about ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🔬 African countries need to increase investment in research and development to drive innovation and economic growth.
• 🧑‍🔬 Mentoring and support systems are crucial in attracting and retaining talented scientists in Africa.
• 💪 Collaboration between government, academia, and the private sector is necessary to build a strong research and innovation ecosystem.
• ⚾ Creating a culture of evidence-based decision making is essential for sustainable development.
• 👩‍🔬 Empowering women in science is crucial for achieving a thriving research and innovation sector in Africa.
• 🇨🇫 Public policies should prioritize research and innovation, and public-private partnerships can play a key role in driving these initiatives.
• 🔬 Science education and science communication should be promoted to raise awareness and interest in research among the public.

Questions & Answers

Q: How can African countries attract and support more women in scientific fields?

African countries can provide more opportunities for women to pursue careers in science, mentorship programs, and create policies that promote gender equality in research and academia.

Q: What role can the private sector play in fostering research and innovation in Africa?

The private sector can invest in research and development, support innovation hubs, and collaborate with academic institutions and government bodies to drive research and innovation initiatives.

Q: How can African countries create a culture of evidence-based decision making?

African countries can prioritize science education, promote science literacy among the public, and involve citizens in decision-making processes to ensure that policies and investments are based on sound scientific evidence.

Q: What can be done to address the brain drain of African scientists?

African countries should provide incentives and support for scientists to remain in the continent, such as funding opportunities, mentorship programs, and research collaborations.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Africa's investment in R&D is less than 1% of GDP, hindering progress and innovation on the continent.

• The continent needs to focus on building a culture of research and innovation, attracting and supporting young scientists, and creating infrastructure and spaces for research and development.

• Government and business leaders must collaborate to establish a viable pan-African research and innovation ecosystem.

• Women need to be empowered and included in decision-making processes in order to fully harness Africa's scientific potential.