Strategy on Higher Education, Science & Technology Strategy - Stakeholders’ Consultative Workshop 12-13 April, 2007, Accra, Ghana |
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Background and Objectives of the Meeting |
Economies all over the world are undergoing major transformations, unlike any since the Industrial Revolution. Knowledge and information (their applications and technologies) are at the root of it. In the new globalized knowledge economy, prosperity and economic growth depend on innovation, which, in turn, depends on investments that are made in the creativity and talents of people. Africa must, therefore, invest not only in science and technology but also, in the African people, to create an environment of inclusion, in which all Africans can take advanta7ge of their talents, their skills and their ideas.
In many regions of the world, universities and post-secondary institutions act as magnets for investment and incubators of knowledge and talent, developing vibrant clusters of economic activity. Unfortunately, Africa is yet to find a way to unlock its potential through appropriate and timely investments in higher education, science and technology.
Human capital and technology development can no longer, therefore, be seen as a luxury for developed countries, but rather a necessity for poor countries that wish to grow and create better living conditions for their populations. The key issue is no longer whether countries should build technology capacity, but what type of capacities must be built given the constraints of the countries? How have countries in Asia built these capacities? How is technology developed? What lessons can be drawn to assist African countries in allocating the scarce resources to build the required capacity?
However, Africa is confronted with a number of challenges to development, which require innovative policies and strategies to stabilize the macro-economic and sectoral environment. These new challenges include the growing importance of the knowledge society/economy and the effective harnessing of science and technology dividends for economic growth and prosperity.
To address these challenges, respond to the growing demand of higher education and link skills development to the productive sectors of the economy, this stakeholders’ workshop is organized to discuss the Bank’s strategy for the sector and provide feedback on the strategic orientation. The main objective of the workshop is to solicit participants’ views on the priorities for Africa in higher education, science and technology, and to validate the strategy. The workshop will also serve to create visibility for the Bank and to convey a message of renewed interest and commitment for higher education science and technology to its regional member countries.
Rebuilding higher education, science and technology capacity in Africa requires concerted efforts of all partners. The workshop provides and opportunity for building partnerships between the Bank and regional/panafrican development institutions (AU, NEPAD, regional economic communities, UNECA), as well as with other key partners (including World Bank, UNESCO, FAO, AFD, CIDA, DFID, JICA, SIDA). |
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Strategy on Higher Education, Science & Technology Strategy - Stakeholders’ Consultative Workshop 12-13 April, 2007, Accra, Ghana
