The 3rd East African Community (EAC) Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Conference, held from March 6th to 8th, 2024, marked a significant milestone with the introduction of two groundbreaking policies: the East African Regional Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy 2023-2033 and the East African Regional Intellectual Property (IP) Policy 2023-2033.
Central to these policies is the incorporation of Open Science principles, advocating for the unrestricted dissemination of research outputs, data, and scientific information. This move aims to foster collaboration, reproducibility, and societal engagement, paving the way for innovation, economic growth, and sustainable development across the region.
The adoption of Open Science principles into the policy framework signifies a forward-thinking approach, positioning East Africa as a leader in African innovation. This strategic shift is expected to unlock the full potential of scientific research, driving sustainable development and positioning the region on the global innovation map.
The genesis of this historic achievement can be traced back to a collaborative effort between the Training Centre in Communication (TCC Africa), the Public Library of Science (PLOS), and the East African Science and Technology Commission (EASTECO). This partnership, initiated in 2022, aimed to advance Open Science principles and practices, empowering researchers across the EAC Partner States.
Ms. Joy Owango, Executive Director of the Training Centre in Communication, hailed the inclusion of Open Science in the regional STI Policy as a precedent-setting move. She emphasized the commitment to collaborating to tailor Open Science applications to meet the unique needs of East African countries, thereby realizing their national goals in Open Science.
The journey towards this milestone began with a series of national dialogues, starting with the inaugural national Open Science dialogue in Tanzania in February 2023, followed by another session in Kenya in September 2023. With the policy framework now in place, the partnership is focused on expanding its outreach to the remaining EAC nations through similar national dialogues aimed at identifying specific requirements and barriers to adopting Open Science practices.
Roheena Anand, Executive Director of Global Publishing Development at PLOS, underscored the transformative potential of Open Science in enhancing transparency, inclusivity, and equity in the scientific process. She highlighted the collaboration's aim to facilitate high-level policy dialogues, addressing barriers to participation and working towards inclusive solutions.
Dr Sylvance Okoth, Executive Secretary of EASTECO, hailed the development as a "dream come true" for the region, envisioning enhanced visibility and leveraging of Open Science benefits to support the integration agenda and socio-economic development.
Article by Nyokabi Wanjiku
Photos/PLOS
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