4. Module Four: Taking Your Higher Education Institution’s Research Ecosystem to Another Level

Introduction: Innovations are part and parcel of the research ecosystem yet many LMIC HEIs have much weaker innovation ecosystems compared to research. To align with emerging global trends and ensure contribution to sustainable development, LMIC HEIs have the important task of nurturing a culture of innovation by building vibrant innovation ecosystems. In this session, we examine some of the key components of a functionally effective innovation ecosystem and what LMIC HEIs need to do.

Introduction: There is no understating the need to research networks as a means to expanding the fronters of research capacity for LMIC HEIs. Yet many LMIC HEIs are not connected to other researchers both within their countries and internationally. In this session, we examine what constitutes a research network. We then discuss the importance of building research networks, as well as the key considerations in building effective research networks.

Introduction: During this training, we have undertaken different planning activities in which we have identified gaps and challenges in our institutions’ research and innovation ecosystems and proposed possible actions to improve these ecosystems. In this session, we shall put together these activities into a single leadership action plan. This plan can be either at the institutional level or at the academic department level depending on where you are located (your sphere of influence).

Innovation ecosystems in Low-income country Higher Education Institutions are a far cry from those seen in institutions from High Income Countries. Innovators in LIC institutions face a lot of challenges and the vast majority of innovations fail to transition to scale. In this Webinar, a panel of innovation capacity building experts discuss the challenges affecting innovation ecosystems in Low Income Countries. They share insights on priority strategies for building vibrant university-led innovation ecosystems in Low Income Countries and the support needed for such initiatives.