In a world characterised by increasingly rapid scientific and technological changes and emerging crises, research and innovation (R&I) are, more than ever, recognised as key drivers of sustainable and inclusive development. They are critical to addressing pressing societal and economic challenges, accelerate green transition, create new jobs and businesses, and help reduce poverty. They play a central role in achieving all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations 2030 Agenda).
A growing number of African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries are incorporating R&I in their national development agendas, but innovation performance remains hindered by inadequate policies and skills development mechanisms.
Despite their differences, the 79 ACP countries share a great innovative potential that can be harnessed with appropriate funding and the right policy framework conditions.
In this context, the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) implements, with funding from the European Union, a new ACP-EU programme which focuses on strengthening R&I capacity in ACP countries. The Programme also builds upon the results of previous ACP-EU initiatives on research, science, technology and innovation.
This OACPS Research and Innovation Programme applies a three-pronged strategic approach:
- An Innovation Fund to foster a conducive R&I environment across the ACP countries;
- A Policy Support Facility to enhance the quality of R&I policies and systems in ACP countries;
- A web portal to facilitate access to R&I knowledge, transfer and cross-fertilisation among ACP countries.
Read the OACPS R&I Programme brochure: