Understanding knowledge systems and what works to promote science technology and innovation in Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda

Abstract

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) could play a critical role in addressing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). To do so, it will require an STI planning, investment and evaluation approach that in addition to economic growth, more explicitly targets social inclusion and environmental sustainably to achieve balanced growth. This will entail a much closer alignment of STI policy with development priorities and will require patterns of governance, participation and cooperation, that encourage a wide set of stakeholders to steer the priorities for STI investment and capacity building and the outcomes that these seek to achieve. Such an approach needs to look beyond traditional science and technology providers – although it is essential to strengthen these too - to include the full range of knowledge production sources and innovation processes that society has to offer. The implications are profound and while there is agreement that STI is a critical part of the way forward, there is less clarity on how to proceed. It is against this backdrop that the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office East Africa Research and Innovation Hub funded a pilot study to develop a practical approach to capacity development and investment in knowledge systems, in 3 East African countries; Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania. The primary consideration of this research was to amalgamate robust international evidence and country level research to inform a clear, contextualised and practical approach for national decision makers in Kenya, Rwanda and Tanzania and their respective partners. The core of the research approach presented within this report iterates between evidence collection, concept development, concept testing and refinement; underpinned by a comprehensive stakeholder engagement. This report was carried out by the Natural Resources Institute (NRI), University of Greenwich In collaboration with African Centre for Technology Studies (ACTS) Kenya, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Australia, Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) - University of Sussex Business School and Science, Technology, Engineering and Public Policy (STEaPP) at University College London (UCL) A project brief and 3 country briefs are also available