”Technological Learning and Adaptive Research should prevail against Basic Research”, says Ethiopian Minister at the Science with Africa Conference.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 25, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The Ethiopian Minister of Science and Technology Mr. Juneydi Saddo called for a shift in the orientation of research activities in Africa. He urged African countries to focus on technological learning and adaptive research instead of basic research.
Mr. Juneydi Saddo made his call at the opening of the second science with Africa Conference which is being convened from 23rd to 25th June 2010 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia under the theme:’ Science, ”Innovation and Entrepreneurship”.
Jointly organized by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the African Union Commission (AUC),this second edition of the Science with Africa Conference brings together hundreds of industrial leaders, research and policy makers to discuss innovative ways of improving the efficiency of technology development, transfer and commercialization in Africa.
In his opening remarks, the Ethiopian Minister of Science and Technology expressed his concern about the fact that many researchers in Africa still believe that they need to undertake basic research instead of engaging in technological learning and adaptive research. “There is no need to reinvent the wheel” Mr. Saddo said. He also noted that: “the research outputs on the continent are still far from meeting the growing technology demand of the industry, including the farmers entrepreneurs and small and medium enterprises.”
During the three-day discussions, participants will explore policy measures and mechanisms to meet Africa’s development needs by harnessing the potential of entrepreneurship and innovation. The ultimate objective is to find ways of transforming scientific ideas and technologies into new products for wealth creation.
In his statement, The UN Under Secretary General and Secretary Mr. Abdoulie Janneh underscored the low share of Africa in the growing trade in intellectual assets.
According to recent studies, global royalties and licensing fee payments have grown by about 500%, from 27 billion US dollars to 161 billions US dollars between 1990 and 2008. However Africa’s share of these assets is only 0,75%. Mr. Janneh stressed the need to be bold and positive in the use of new and emerging technologies. The ECA Executive Secretary said that: ”There are ways in which a farmer who cannot afford a tractor could still be helped to become more competitive, if provided with improved soil and pest management, irrigation canals, improved crop varieties and alternative fertilizers.”
Some of the major features of the second Science with Africa Conference include a patent fair where individual researchers and inventors will access advice, particularly on the process of obtaining a patent or a utility model. In addition, the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) investment Forum will provide an opportunity to familiarize participants with the preparation of projects for funding. Another highlight of the Conference is the Technology Transfer and Intellectual Property Rights Clinic. Its objective is to help for the commercialization of technological assets, by showcasing the structure and ways of assessing technology transfer agreements.
Background
“Science with Africa” is an ECA/AUC initiative which aims at providing a framework to promote the use of science and technology in economic development of Africa. To this end, Science with Africa Conferences are unique opportunities to enhance North-South and South-South cooperation, foster technology transfer and to increase synergies between regional and international science based organizations. The Government of Finland is one of the major partners for the Science with Africa Conference. Other partners include: the International Development Research Centre, UNESCO, International Council of Science-Regional Office for Africa, the African Regional Intellectual Property Office (ARIPO), Organisation Africaine de la Proprieté Intellectuelle (OAPI) and the Research Triangle Institute (RTI).
It is to be recalled that the EU-Africa Summit held from 8 to 9 December 2007 in Lisbon (Portugal) adopted a new strategic partnership that devoted an entire chapter to Science, Information Society and Space. Strengthening the cooperation on science and technology has become a top priority, as evidenced by the decision of the AU summit to declare 2007 the year of science and technology.
The first Science with Africa Conference was held from 3 to 7 March 2008 in Addis Ababa.
SOURCE
Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
