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Director's Statement
highlights
Key Message
ATPS is a unique institution in many ways: its network of chapters; its multidisciplinary focus; its growing membership and partners all add to give it a distinct voice in Africa's science and technology policy arena.
Welcome to the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS)!
ATPS has evolved from primarily a technology policy studies network to a science and technology policy network and, while retaining a science, technology and innovation focus, it is graduating towards a knowledge for development network. As it has evolved, so has its approach to capacity building, research, training, communication and outreach, and partnerships. The "new look" ATPS website is one step in this direction.
Capacity building is at the core of all ATPS activities: the capacity of researchers to conduct innovative S, T and I policy relevant research; the capacity of policymakers or private sector actors to understand, articulate and formulate relevant policies; the capacity of our national chapters to sustain national policy dialogue and monitor implementation; and the capacity to communicate science and technology more broadly.
Our research process, either thematic/regional or small grants, does not allow research for research sake. It is also not an avenue to increase our stock of publications as important as this may be. All ATPS research and research related activities must demonstrate social relevance both in its conception and execution. Emphasis must be placed on social innovation, indicating how the project is likely to improve the material conditions of the people who are affected by the problem under investigation, and how they are likely to be better equipped to deal with these problems after this current effort. Two critical elements of this are: dialogue wit the intended users throughout the process (through knowledge exchange exercises, practical demonstrations etc) and an actionable implementation plan using the results of the activity. This may be targeted towards a policy change, institutional adjustment or behavioral changes at the grassroots level.
Our training programs and policy seminars are increasingly serving as avenues for utilizing results of ATPS supported research as well as the results of research and experiences from other institutions and countries. ATPS is serving as a broker of knowledge, evaluating, synthesizing and passing on policy relevant knowledge to all its key stakeholders including policymakers, farmers' associations, other NGOs, international organizations and the private sector within the context of Africa's aspirations and values. One new feature of our training program is the training of journalists in science and technology writing and reporting. In order to increase the appreciation for science and technology led development, Africa needs a cadre of journalists that will devote their energy to understanding and communicating science and technology to a wider audience. We are seeing some of the fruits of this effort with the recent formation of science writers association of Nigeria, following a one week ATPS training exercises in 2004. ATPS promotes the African perspectives in all its activities, seeking solutions within the African intellectual community at home and in the Diaspora and complementing it with relevant knowledge from anywhere else.
Our national partnership strategy is also evolving. ATPS national chapters are forging links with national institutions whose contributions materially and in-kind are important is subsidizing ATPS national activities. We are trying to device new strategies for increasing Africa's support to ATPS in order to further broaden its resource base and increase Africa's buy-in into its programs and activities.
Our publication strategy is selective and targeted, addressing varied audience. New emphasis is on publications of titles with broad based/regional appeal. Our Technopolicy Briefs, targeted at the busy policymakers, are the most popular. It downloads complex science, technology and innovation issues into a language that is at the same time accessible and robust.
ATPS is a unique institution in many ways: its network of chapters; its multidisciplinary focus; its growing membership and partners all add to give it a distinct voice in Africa's science and technology policy arena. Its message that science, technology and innovation matter seems obvious. But this is a message that is requiring persistence, hard work and a lot of efforts to deliver and internalize. But ATPS understands the challenges and is gradually mastering the tools. We ask you the reader, and all our other stakeholders to join us in this collective endeavor for the betterment of human kind.
Welcome!
Osita Ogbu, Ph.D.
Former Executive Director
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