Africa lags behind other developing regions in local collaboration — and in building its own scientific capacity, says Linda Nordling.

Rio+20 should set up a scientific cooperation mechanism drawing on capabilities in both North and South, say Gisbert Glaser and Alice Abreu.

North-South partnerships dominate university funding in Tanzania, but they are failing to build capacity, says Johnson M. Ishengoma.

The Islamic World Academy of Sciences has been challenged to build bridges. The hardest may be between disciplines, says Athar Osama.

Desertec, an ambitious solar power project in the Middle East and Africa, should be more transparent and participatory, argues Athar Osama.

Health scientists in developing countries can use social media to tackle research priorities, argue Alexander E. T. Finlayson and colleagues.

Islamic nations should form a 'forward bloc' on science for development to reverse a poor record of collaboration, argues Athar Osama.

A new southern African climate plan is impressive, but needs more funding if it is to plug the continent's data gap, writes Linda Nordling.

The Islamic world needs new mechanisms that enable leaders to interact informally and share scientific knowledge, argues Athar Osama.

Science students will choose to study and work in Africa if they have access to high-quality training, says education adviser Sophie Rivière.

S&T ministerial committee must reform its Inter-Islamic Networks to promote real collaboration with clear objectives, argues Athar Osama.

African innovation won't flourish unless more attention is paid to creating and sustaining markets for it, argues Linda Nordling.

Partnerships that team up high-quality universities in Gulf states with talent in more populous nations can benefit everyone, says Athar Osama.

South Africa's new development aid agency should help Africa capitalise on science, not just seek returns on investment, says Linda Nordling.

Scientific cooperation in the Islamic world needs more than secure funding — a compelling set of projects is also essential, says Athar Osama.

Nanotechnology's potential to improve public health will be maximised only with a conducive environment, argues Jayashree Vivekanandan.

African nations must pool resources to promote local pharmaceutical innovation, say Ibrahim Assane Mayaki and Carel IJsselmuiden.

Collaborative networks are crucial to improve the state of African higher education, says innovation expert Mammo Muchie.

Shared problems, new technology and better communication all mean innovation is ready to drive development, say Gordon Conway and Jeff Waage.

China's spending, publication and collaboration rates are soaring, says Jonathan Adams, and Europe and North America must take notice.