LEARNING WHAT WORKS: KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE AND NETWORKING AMONG THE SCIENCE SYSTEM ACTORS IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA

Abstract

Abstract Knowledge exchange and networking (KEN) is a process which brings together researchers, users of research and wider public and private groups, communities and entrepreneurial individuals to exchange ideas, evidence and expertise. KEN is about developing mutually beneficial partnerships to support innovation and find solutions to the most pressing global challenges. Done effectively, it allows all participants to add value and impact to new ideas through engagement and collaboration. Ultimately, KEN has the capacity to drive transformational impact and enhance the societal application and benefits of African research. This chapter explores key concepts of and mechanisms for KEN, and identifies the mechanisms which work most effectively in an African context with particular focus on the science granting councils (SGCs) and other science system actors in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This chapter reviews and recommends good practices for sustaining KEN in order to co-create, share, and domesticate knowledge and its products among the target beneficiaries. It further explores the opportunities for embedding and sustaining networks to support knowledge exchange within the science system. The chapter identifies the benefits and challenges of KEN with a view to providing sustainable solutions to Africa’s science system. The chapter finally draws practical lessons from the Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) to embellish how KEN has enhanced uptake, capacities and capabilities among the SGCs and other science system actors in SSA.