SciDev.Net

The principal objective of the IDRC-TUT Doctoral Research Awards is to identify case studies on context-specific innovation processes from Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. The IDRC-IERI Doctoral Research Award are valued at ZAR 72, 000.00 (equivalent to CAD$10,000) each and are expected to identify innovation activities in one of the four countries through case studies. The award seeks to enhance the engagement of doctoral students in field research within this subject area to produce high quality dissertations, encourage timely completion of their training
and produce findings that are policy relevant.

This competition invites research proposals on specific questions that address the
following themes:

• How does indicator development (and use) differ in country-specific cases in
• Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa?
• In what way(s) do innovation processes differ in Mozambique, Rwanda, Senegal
• and South Africa?

Award recipients will also engage in training to learn techniques, approaches, and uses of science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators as part of the policy process. This training, which includes a three day workshop, will support the measurement and evaluation of domestic science, technology, and innovation capabilities in participating countries, and more specifically will help build a critical mass of graduate students, researchers, and junior-to-mid-level policymakers with a strong understanding of the importance of linking various STI capabilities in the
country.

Some recent advances, current initiatives, and resources in indicator development and innovation studies in Africa are available in Vol. 6 of the African Statistical Journal, May 20082 and in the NEPAD Science, Technology and Innovation Indicator (STII) initiative. At a minimum, these sources should be consulted when developing proposals.

The award will cover justifiable field research expenses (examples include: Living Expenses, Health Insurance, Travel and Communication Costs) up to a maximum of  ZAR 72, 000.00 (equivalent to CAD$10,000).