ST-EAP PROGRESS REPORT 31 May - 31 October 2007 Submitted by Nomkhosi Mvubelo ST-EAP Project Office 7 December 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1. BACKGROUND.. 2 2. PROJECT OBJECTIVES 2 3. ACHIEVEMENTS.. 3 4. WORK PACKAGE PROGRESS. 6 5. CONSORTIUM MANAGEMENT. 10 6. CHALLENGES 10 7. USE AND DISSEMINATION 10 8. ANNEXURES 1
Annexure 1: ST-EAP Brochure and Banner Annexure 2: Financial report. 1. BACKGROUND The Science and Technology Europe Africa Project (ST-EAP) is a European Union Framework Programme (FP6) Specific Support Action (SSA), based on the success of the ESASTAP initiative (www.esastap.org.za), which is focussed on creating greater participation of South African organisations (SSA) in the Framework Programmes. ST-EAP is focussed on extending this initiative into sub-saharan Africa. South Africa has become one of the leading four Third Countries in FP6, but the performance of SSA has lagged far behind. The ST- EAP aims to address these shortcomings are by creating a greater awareness of the FPs in the region and the modalities to be employed. The change in FP7 where INCO-DEV will no longer address research issues will make the task of African SSA countries participating even greater as many have expressed that their own limitation is the lack of expertise and experience with Thematic Projects. Therefore, the timing of ST-EAP is most suitable. The partners in ST- EAP are the CSIR (www.csir.co.za) and the African Academy if Sciences (www.aasciences.org). 2
2. PROJECT OBJECTIVES The primary objective of the project is the strengthening of science and technology (S&T) co-operation between African scientists, and between African and European scientists. The geographical focus of the project will be on sub- Saharan Africa. This objective is endorsed by both Africa and the European Union (EU) respectively in NEPADs (New Partnership for Africa's Development); Africa's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action, and in the recently adopted EU Strategy for Africa. ST-EAP aims to heighten awareness of European funding mechanisms and S&T co-operative instruments that support the creation of African/European consortia. ST-EAP will play a critical role in establishing synergy between the European Union s instruments for international research co-operation in the area of science and technology. It will enable a stronger policy dialogue between Africa and Europe to harness science and technology for sustainable development and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG) ST-EAP aims to heighten awareness of European S&T co-operative instruments that support the creation of African/European consortia. In particular, ST-EAP seeks to create an increased awareness of the role of the Framework Programmes (FPs) and a greater shared knowledge of the S&T capacity of the two regions ST-EAP will seek mechanisms to facilitate increased EU-Africa/NEPAD collaboration, and provide an input into future Framework Programmes ST-EAP will also promote the internationalising of the European Research Area (ERA) ST-EAP is supportive of and aligned with NEPADs recently adopted Africa's Science and Technology Consolidated Plan of Action ST-EAP offers a significant opportunity to increase overall S&T cooperation in Africa and with Africa 3. ACHIEVEMENTS Since March 2007, ST-EAPs major achievement was establishing the Project itself, as well as a working relationship with the consortium partners. In this short time, through its participation in a number of information sessions and workshops, ST-EAP has been successful in heightening the awareness of the 3
European Science and Technology co-operative instruments that support the creation of African/European consortia. ST-EAP has also been able to create an increased awareness of the role of the EU Framework Programme and a greater shared knowledge of the science and technology capacity of the two regions as highlighted in Table 1. Table 1: ST-EAP ACTIVITIES Event Type of activity & Dates Partners Objective Venue IST- AFRICA 2007 Information session. Maputo, Mozambique 8-11 March 2007 EuroAfrica Fostering networks and partnerships WAITRO Capacity building Information session. Kampala, Uganda 14-16 March 2007 WAITRO Fostering networks and partnerships. workshop & networking session EuroAfrica ICT workshop Information session & networking. Nairobi, Kenya 26-27 July 2007 EuroAfrica- START Analysis of Africa involvement in FP participation & the development of African FP success stories and cases. Launch of ST- EAP logo and promotional materials. WAITRO 59 th EXCO meeting Information session & exhibiting.fraunhofer- Gesellschaft, Germany 6-7 September 2007 WAITRO Enhance networking and partnership development. 5 th Information session. 8-9 EuroAfrica Fostering 4
EuroAfrica October networks & ICT Botswana 2007 partnerships. awareness workshop Food Networking session. 25 Nov-01 WAITRO FP7 briefing & Safety in Dec 2007 Stellenbosch partnership Africa Stellenbosch, South University development Workshop Africa ICFMH UPCOMING EVENTS Name of Activity Type of Activity & Location Dates ICT Africa, Addis Ababa Nepad Council continental (ICT) event addressing a wide range of ICT issues in Africa. Attendees come from all parts of Africa and abroad to meet and greet, teach and learn, make connections and move business forward for one week every year. 13-15 February 2008 Science with Africa This conference is to support the level March 2008(date Conference, Addis of participation by African-based TBC) Ababa Scientists in international collaborative R&D Projects. It will examine methodologies for improving science programme participation by scientists and researchers in African nations. Speakers will include senior policy makers from Africa and around the world, eminent scientists, and science and research project managers, experts in proposal preparation and IP and patent specialists. IST Conference,Namibia Part of the IST-Africa Initiative, which is supported by the European Commission under the IST Programme of Framework Programme 6 (FP6), IST- Africa 2008 is the third in an Annual Conference Series which will bring together delegates from commercial, government & research organisations 9-11 May 2008 5
across Africa and from Europe, to bridge the Digital Divide by sharing knowledge, experience, lessons learnt and good practice. EuroAfrica-ICT FP7 Awareness Workshop EuroAfrica-ICT initiative's aim to increase the participation of Sub- Saharan African institutions in the FP7, the creation of awareness and sharing of the knowledge about the ideas and activities of you and your institution are seen as key contributors towards raising this level of participation. 16-17 April 2008 The achievement of the project objectives will be realised through the Work Pages and deliverables outlined in Section 4. 6
4. WORK PACKAGE PROGRESS An initial project plan was developed at CSIR and then refined with the AAS s input. Since then there have been certain personnel changes and following the first AAS/CSIR consortium meeting (26-28 July 2007) the timelines and identity of the responsible persons have been redefined (Appendix 1). This will be evaluated each month by both partners and appropriately updated by the project team as per the November consortium meeting. ST-EAP PROJECT PLAN Work Packages Tasks Responsible Person 1 Establishment of Project Leader: ST-EAP Ms B. Lue Marais 1.1 Development of ST-EAP G.Meese Business plan B.Lue Marais 1.2 Formal Launch of ST-EAP 1.3 Evaluation of ST-EAP structure, impact and sustainability I.Kone B.Lue Marais I.Kone B.Lue Marais I.Kone Support Staff S.Akatch N.Mkhondo S.Akatch CSIR Comms Y.Yemshaw Independent Consultant STATUS A draft business plan has been circulated for the perusal of the ST-EAP team. Still to be finalised. Instead of having one Big launch we have had five mini launches in different parts of Africa and Europe (See activity schedule). A large scale launch will be subject to availability of funds. During the final months of ST-EAP in 2009 an external evaluator will be identified to determine to what extent the project has achieved its objectives. A process will be implemented by both partners to call for proposals based on the normal process implemented by both organisations. Terms of references (ToRs) will be developed by the partners. Based on this report recommendations will be made regarding the future structure and sustainability of ST- EAP. 7
2 Work Packages Tasks Responsible Person Communicating Project Leader: Dr. I. Kone ST-EAP and 2.1 Showcasing science African S&T excellence 2.1.1 Map Africa s S&T expertise with expertise and produce S.Akatch the EU promotional and communication material 2.1.2 Create Website Support Staff J.Olang M.Mengu ICSU A.Britz Favila D.du Toit J.Richter V.Muskett STATUS ST-EAP banners and marketing material have been developed and have been used and distributed at the information session and seminars. The ST-EAP website www.st-eap.org is fully operational 2.1.3 Host a follow up African promotional event in Brussels subsequent to the initial launch 2.2 Fostering networks and partnerships 2.2.1: Develop partnering database, including links to tertiary institutions, research organisations and SME support organisations where possible. S.Akatch I.Kone V.Muskett (consultant) G.Meese T.Belle D.du Toit V.Muskett T.Belle B.Pillay E.Ongeso Still to be discussed. Subject to availability of funds. It will be best to tie it up with another event in Brussels Emanating from a meeting with Dr Kone, Philippe and Daan, there was a suggestion from the EU that ST- EAP: Uses the ESASTAP database as a foundation, and put a link on the ACP, Inconet, Caastnet and WAITRO website. (Under discussion with DST/ESASTAP). A ST-EAP member database with about 400 people has been set up. 2.2.2: Create opportunities for enhanced networking and partnership development. 2.2.3: Concerted action to promote FP mobility instruments addressed to African partners. B.Lue Marais S.AKatch J.Olang K.Keatimilwe Y.Yemshaw Under discussion. Distribute Framework Programme alerts from the EU and ESASTAP on calls to the ST-EAP community. 8
3 Work Packages Tasks Responsible Person Communicating Project Leader: Ms B. Lue Marais information on 3.1 FP7 generic briefings and B.Lue Marais EU co-operative specialist workshops in I.Kone selected regions of the instruments continent. across Africa 3.2 Analysis of the region s involvement in FP participation, the development of African FP success stories and cases 3.3 Facilitation of funding instruments for regional participation in FP7. 3.4 Targeted initiatives to increase the regional NEPAD involvement in FPs. M.Mengu I.Kone Y.Yemshaw T.Belle B.Lue Marais I.Kone Support Staff M.Mengu J.Mugabe Y.Yemshaw (DST) J.Mugabe T.Belle C.Pinto STATUS Ongoing (see upcoming events). ST-EAP takes the opportunity to present itself at the fringe of other events because of the financial constraints. Already ST-EAP has showcased in 5 countries namely Uganda, Kenya, Germany, Botswana and South Africa. Moses Mengu, the WAITRO representative, presented Africa s success stories both in Germany and Kenya. Under discussion. ST-EAP has enjoyed representation at the NEPAD Forums which has the following stakeholders: DST, NEPAD, African Laser Centre, Sanbio and E- commission. 9
Work packages Tasks Responsible person 4 Project Project Leader: Ms B. Lue Marais Management 4.1 Project co-ordination and I.Kone management 4.2 Administrative and E.Taka financial management 4.3 Project outcomes dissemination S.Akatch 4.4 Gender Promotion J.Olang Support Staff E.Taka R.Kretzmann H.Heystek A.Opiyo A.Britz J.Tanui B.Lue Marais STATUS Ongoing. The Financial report for the first quarter has been prepared. The AAS has been allocated its share, and the money has been transferred. The ST-EAP activity report has been put on the website which indicates the project s participation in several events. ST-EAP has taken leadership in this area and there is strong gender representation on the project team. 10
5. CONSORTIUM MANAGEMENT A good working relationship has been established between the two consortium partners, The African Academy of Sciences (AAS) on behalf of NASAC, and The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). The first consortium meeting took place on 26 June 2007 where the project plan was discussed. Both partners applied their minds on the Work Packages, deliverables and timelines. It is clear that both partners, with input from European advisors, have one vision which is to leverage and optimise resources in collaboration with the EU, in the development of the EU-Africa relationship, at the Science and Technology community and the bilateral member state levels. A second consortium meeting took place on 21 November 2007, hosted by the CSIR. Financial allocations have been made and Work Package responsibilities have been updated. 6. CHALLENGES Hitherto, one of the challenges encountered has been the change of project leadership both at the CSIR (Takalani Nemaungani and Geoff Meese) and AAS (Stephen Agong and Jackie Olang) but the change caused no major disruption. Because ST-EAP is operating on a limited budget, we have been unable to launch the ST-EAP project in Brussels. This has meant that ST-EAP has to identify opportunities and other events as a platform to promote ST-EAP, which results in efforts being overshadowed. It is clear that we need to explore with the EU additional funding and/or to explore with the EU other avenues for financial support. 7. USE AND DISSEMINATION A ST-EAP database consisting of the following: AAS, Donor Agencies, Government networks, Research Institutions, ESASTAP Business, WAITRO and NEPAD networks have been developed. The database is used to distribute information pertaining to the EU Framework Programme including information sessions/events thereof. We have also printed ST-EAP brochures which have been widely disseminated at FP7 information sessions. Equally, the ST-EAP web site is fully operational, while the banners which bear the ST-EAP logo 11
have been strategically placed at specific forums to further raise the visibility of ST-EAP. The brochure is attached as Annexure 1. 8. FINANCIAL REPORT The financial report for the period under consideration is attached as Annexure 2. 12