Science Systems Futures

Responding to both persistent challenges and new opportunities in the global research landscape, this project by the ISC’s think tank Centre for Science Futures seeks to strengthen the capacity of Global South actors through coalition building, peer learning, and strategic engagement.

It addresses the need for more inclusive and reflexive communities of practice, especially as LMICs navigate rapid technological shifts and increasing global expectations.

The project is structured around four interconnected work packages:

AI in national research ecosystems

The goal of this project is to understand how AI is transforming STI systems, particularly in the Global South, and how countries can take advantage of these changes. It will build on the first working paper “Preparing National Research Ecosystems for AI: Strategies and progress in 2024”, expanding to include more country case studies, as well as consultations and workshops with experts and organizations worldwide, closing knowledge gaps on how different countries are integrating AI into their research ecosystems.

Emerging technologies and transformations

The project will convene experts from around the world to reflect on the next wave of critical transformations for STI systems globally, and their impact in the Global South.

Science organizations in the digital age

This project aims to gather knowledge and experience about effective and impactful support for Global South STI actors in pursuing digital transformations through strategic and technical assistance to selected organizations. The ISC’s discussion paper “Science organizations in the digital age” serves as a pilot to this project.

Innovating science-industry collaboration

This initiative focuses on building reflexive communities of practice among Global South science players testing and using new technologies, through a series of matchmaking events connecting STI organizations with industry and technology developers.

This work was carried out with the aid of a grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of IDRC or its Board of Governors.