Call for Case Studies

***Please note that the closing date has now passed***
Open AIR is calling for African case studies that shed light on the following two overarching research questions:
  • How can open collaborative innovation help businesses scale up and seize the new opportunities of a global knowledge economy?
  • Which knowledge governance systems will best ensure that the social and economic benefits of innovation are shared inclusively across society as a whole?

Open AIR is seeking case studies that examine the connection between the practice of collaborative innovation and the processes of knowledge sharing and/or knowledge appropriation through intellectual property rights and other mechanisms. Studies should focus on one or more of Open AIR’s four priority research themes: (1) high technology hubs, (2) informal sector innovation, (3) indigenous and local entrepreneurs, and (4) metrics, laws and policies.

As a multi-disciplinary and international network, Open AIR invites researchers from all fields and all countries in Africa to submit proposals. Following a rigorous peer review of all case study  proposals, selected proponents will be invited to present, discuss and refine their ideas in collaboration with others at Open AIR’s next international workshop, to be held in the first quarter of 2016. Case studies will be completed before the end of 2016, at which time further support may be provided for the publication of research results and the application of new knowledge in policy and practice.

Proposals can be made for up to ZAR 150,000 per case study to support the costs of research personnel, tools and materials, travel and other justified expenses. Proposals with well-justified budgets that include co-payment and/or in-kind contributions from proponents or their organisations will be assessed favourably.

To obtain further information, please contact Open AIR Program Manager Ms. Nan Warner, [email protected]. To submit a proposal, please complete the Draft Case Study Proposal Form here and send it by email to Ms. Warner on or before 10 December 2015.