Reliving the “Transforming Africa: Innovating Our Way Towards Sustainability” 2024 Conference
Khadiga Hassan
The Department of Science and Innovation and the South African National Research Foundation (DSI/NRF) Trilateral Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4IR and Sustainable...
Evidence-based Intellectual Property Policymaking
The intellectual property system is a crucial part of economic policymaking worldwide. It affects matters of profound importance, including health, education, nutrition, culture, science, technology and innovation policy. One might assume, therefore, that the global governance of intellectual property rights rests on a solid foundation of evidence. Think again. For over a century, intellectual property policy has been based largely on theoretical assumptions and political lobbying.
Determinants of Innovation in Ethiopian Informal-Sector Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)
Authored by: Wondwossen Belete
Abstract: This Working Paper examines the main factors affecting the process of learning and innovation in informal-sector micro and small enterprises...
Upcoming research into informal entrepreneurs
Our Open AIR researcher Dr. Erika Kraemer-Mbula is continuing her exciting research in South Africa about informal sector entrepreneurs.
Informal entrepreneurship is receiving increasing scholarly and political attention in Africa. The continent’s booming youth population calls for an unprecedented need to create income and livelihood opportunities. Besides the traditional focus on formalisation, there is a growing interest in understanding the creative processes and innovations occurring in informal enterprises. However, evidence remains scarce, and research on informal enterprises still represents a relatively new and unexplored frontier.
Power Relations, Innovation, Scaling, and Knowledge Governance at Three Egyptian Tech...
Authored by: Nagham ElHoussamy, Nadine Weheba, and Nagla Rizk
Abstract: This Working Paper offers an initial exploration of innovation realities at technology hubs in...
Les défis d’étendre Open AIR dans des pays africains francophones
Le travail panafricain comprend plusieurs défis, entre autre la grandeur du continent, sa diversité, les différences juridiques, et la complexité des langues. Les défis sont particulièrement marqués pour l’innovation africaine. Il y a deux organismes régionaux dans le domaine de la propriété intellectuelle, en plus de l’Organisation mondiale de la propriété intellectuelle, ce qui souligne la diversité et les divisions linguistiques et régionales. Pour Open AIR, un réseau de recherche qui travaille dans de différents domaines de l’innovation et la propriété intellectuelle, on rencontre plusieurs défis à cause de cette diversité.
Vulnerabilities Exposed: COVID-19 and Informal Livelihoods in Egypt
By Nagla Rizk
This article was originally published by Medium
“I wish they let us move and to end the curfew, so we go to work....
Determinants of Innovation Capability in Informal Settings: The Case of Nigeria’s...
Authored by: Oluseye Oladayo Jegede and Olubukola Esther Jegede
Abstract: This study contributes to the growing literature on innovation capability in the informal sector in...
Open AIR Research into 4th Industrial Revolution Technologies and Artificial Intelligence:...
By Nagham El Houssamy and Nadine Weheba
This is part three in a three part series. For part one, click here. For part two, click here.
Monumental advances in technology are...
AFCTFA: A Potential Boost for African Economies
By Eslam Shaaban
In March 2018, the African Continent Free Trade Agreement (AFCFTA) was unveiled as the world’s largest free trade area since the creation...













