Launch of a research and innovation program by the Secretariat of the Organization of ACP States (OACPS)

The Secretariat of the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States or ACP States (OACPS) has just launched a research and innovation (R&I) program, funded by the European Union (EU), and which is a policy support mechanism to stimulate research and innovation (R&I) in ACP countries.

A growing number of ACP countries are incorporating R&I in their national development agendas, as they play a central role in achieving all the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (United Nations 2030 Agenda).  However, innovation performance relies not only on appropriate R&I funding and skills, but also on putting in place the right policy framework conditions.

The Policy Support Facility provides national or regional public authorities from ACP countries (in charge of R&I and higher education) with practical support to:

• improve the design and implementation of evidence-based R&I policies and strategies;

• support the development of national R&I capacities needed to make the transition to self-sustaining knowledge-led economies;

• foster – at national and regional levels – collaboration opportunities between R&I institutions, businesses, academia and civil society organisations to unleash their innovation potential.

Policy and decision-makers can now access a broad range of on-demand and tailor-made services that will be carried out by high-level international experts from ACP and EU countries, to improve their policy-making practices.

The Call for Expressions of Interest (EoI) to request a policy service is now open!

All relevant information can be found in the following documents: • OACPS R&I PSF Brochure

• Call for Expressions of Interest (EoI). A short video also provides a general overview of the PSF and its benefits. (End)