Who are we?
The Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Research Hub has been established to harness the significant research work being produced for 15 years at the Graduate School of Management of Technology (MOT) of Nile University. It aims to respond to the clear need for structured and science-based STI policy advice in Egypt and the region. By leveraging science, technology, and innovation policy studies, the Hub seeks to offer decision-makers solutions that can drive positive change and solidify the momentum at the national and regional levels.
Vision & Mission
- Data-driven decision-making serves as the engine of groundbreaking innovation.
- National development flourishes, propelled by the transformative power of STI.
- The translation of scientific advancements into tangible societal benefits becomes a cornerstone of regional progression, societal and economic revival and growth.
We envision ourselves as a critical nexus, fostering a symbiotic relationship between the frontiers of scientific exploration and their tangible application in the real world. Our mission is to equip policymakers, governmental entities, and the scientific community with a comprehensive armamentarium of knowledge and transformative instruments. This arsenal will empower them to orchestrate a paradigm shift, enacting positive change through the offering of well-defined, strategic Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policy and founded policy analysis.
Why STI Policy Research Hub?
Egypt has recognized the need to invest in research and development, as well as innovation, in order to keep up with global trends and compete in the international market. This has led to the establishment of various initiatives and programs aimed at promoting STI and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
As for the developing countries, the contemplator of the state of the science, technology and innovation system will find that it is divided into two main types:
- The first type is for the countries that already lack the ingredients for building a successful system due to the small number of qualified researchers and the lack of the necessary financial resources.
- The second type is for the countries - including Egypt - that are characterized by the availability of enough resources for excellence, like human and financial resources, but lack the appropriate policies and management for their numerous initiatives in this domain.
Therefore, working on developing STI policies is one of the first duties to reach the knowledge economy sought and clearly mentioned in the Egyptian Constitution. It is also a national necessity to stop the drain of human and financial resources exerted towards this goal and to ensure that the development of policies is on the right path by being based on scientific foundations and on an intricate analysis of the motives and effects of old policies.
Our Offering
- Policy Analysis: We evaluate existing and proposed STI policies, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and potential impacts.
- STI Foresight: We help anticipate future trends in science and technology, informing policy development for emerging challenges and opportunities.
- Benchmarking: We compare local STI policies against global best practices, providing valuable insights for improvement.
- Evidence-Based Policymaking: We translate complex research findings into actionable recommendations for policymakers.
- Innovation Strategy Development: We assist stakeholders in crafting effective strategies to foster a culture of innovation within their organizations.
- Technology Transfer & Commercialization: We bridge the gap between scientific discoveries and real-world applications, facilitating technology transfer and commercialization.
- Program Evaluation: We assess the effectiveness of existing STI programs, ensuring they deliver on their objectives.
- Capacity Building: We provide training workshops and mentorship programs to enhance stakeholders' understanding and utilization of science, technology, and innovation.
- Policymakers: Make informed decisions based on robust research and analysis.
- Government Bodies: suggest and monitor effective STI policies for national development.
- Scientific Community: Bridge the gap between research and practical application.
Modes of Operation
The STI Policy Research Hub will engage in four main types of activities as follows:
Knowledge creation in the context of the STI policy track involves engaging in core research activities that contribute to the academic discipline of STI policy. The Hub members focus on research ideas that are relevant to developing countries and emerging topics in the field. The main objectives of knowledge creation in this track include:
- Pure Research Projects: The Hub members engage in research projects that aim to generate new knowledge and insights in the field of STI policy. These projects involve conducting in-depth research, analyzing data, and developing innovative approaches to address policy challenges.
- Publication of Journal Papers and Books: The findings and outcomes of the research projects are disseminated through the publication of journal papers and books. This allows us to share knowledge and insights with the academic community and policymakers.
- Participation in Academic Conferences: The Hub members actively participate in academic conferences related to STI policy. This provides them with opportunities to present their research findings, engage in discussions with other experts in the field, and receive feedback on their work.
The ultimate goal of knowledge creation in the STI policy track is to contribute to the academic discipline, inform policy decisions, and promote sustainable development in developing countries. By conducting rigorous research, publishing scholarly works, and participating in academic conferences, hub members aim to advance knowledge and understanding in the field of STI policy and drive positive change.
The Hub has a crucial role to play in filling the talent gap in the field of STI policy and research and practice. This is why a core activity of the Hub is conducting capacity-building workshops. Initially, workshops are going to be offered on the following topics:
- Scientometric Analysis
- Funding Program Design and Implementation
- Technology Assessment for IP Protection
Training workshops will run for three days - 2 sessions per day - and will have a strong hands-on component.
This track will cover all consulting and advisory engagements the hub is involved in. It will operate in rounds, whereby each round will cater to the needs of a large agency that funds or creates policies related to STI activities. Projects are initiated on demand from these agencies like requests to design a new program or evaluate an existing one. In some cases, the STI Research Policy Hub will take the initiative and suggest a specific project to a relevant agency.
The main objective of this track is to contribute to evidence-based decision-making in client organizations and to create excess revenue for the hub to expand its research activities.
This track involves the engagement of the Hub with other entities at NU and international partners in the grant-funded projects they take on. As a research-active university, NU is often asked to carry out many types of projects related to STI. In some cases, these projects will have a policy-related element, which the current expertise at NU cannot cover. The STI Research Policy Hub can participate in these projects as a partner, carrying out studies and providing all policy-related work packages.
Stakeholders
Our potential beneficiaries and stakeholders include government agencies, research institutions, industry associations, civil society organizations, and international development partners.
These stakeholders can benefit from the Hub's expertise in conducting research, scientometric analysis, and facilitating dialogue to inform evidence-based policy decisions. Additionally, the Hub's collaborative platform allows for knowledge sharing and networking opportunities among stakeholders, fostering a holistic approach to addressing STI challenges and driving sustainable development.
Research by the STI Policy Research Hub
Our themes of research:
- Technology , policy , strategy and foresight
- Technology and Innovation Management
- IP Protection and Technology Transfer
- Entrepreneurship
STI Policy Research Hub Events
STI Reseach Policy Hub Symposium Series
STI Policy Research Hub Launching Event
