In today's world, the speed of technological development almost equals the speed of social and economic development. Importantly, many of the jobs in the future will require some level of technological input. According to the World Bank, Africa still has a huge STEM skills deficit required for the evolving workplace. Africa still has a lot to do to catch up in not only fostering technological innovation but also reaping the benefits and democratising the dividends. Universities and higher learning institutes of all kinds can play an even more important role in hastening our progress. I share a few ideas on how we can do this. To foster STEM skills development and accelerate technological innovation, we need to:
Promote, reward, and employ technological innovation
When the University demonstrates and communicates that technological innovation and skills are valuable, students are likely to pay attention as well. Not only will students pay attention, but they will also try their hands out on something. And when they do create technological solutions, the University should be the first to adopt these solutions, which further signals the acceptance of such innovations.
Make the University an experimental space to imagine the future through technology
The Whole Idea of a moonshot, as popularized by Google X division, is solving an audacious problem using exponential technology. Universities should become places where learners are encouraged to apply moonshot thinking to solve some of the biggest problems Africa faces today. By extension, when students apply moonshot thinking, they are more likely to look for or develop the technology that helps to deliver on that audacious goal. This clearly means the University should be comfortable with innovation, with challenging what is not working and surfacing new and better ways of doing things.
Collaborate with the private sector
In order to develop and implement technological innovation, Universities need to collaborate with the private sector and external parties that will become the users of these solutions. Organizations looking to solve problems from their focus audience can benefit a lot from working with Universities to surface opportunities, innovative technologies, and solutions that meet the needs of their target audience. Importantly, collaboration with the private sector can provide not only the market for innovations but the funding support to further research and develop much-needed solutions. Finally, it is important to connect technological solutions with practical needs as this will ensure the success and continuity of such innovative practices.
Create space by investing in the infrastructure and learning
At the newly completed African Leadership University campus, there will be an operational fablab that allows students to tinker and work on creative technological projects. This is alongside the other digital technology programs and learnings being provided to students. To foster participation in STEM and the creation of technological solutions, the facility, tools, and opportunities to learn, explore, and practice are critical.
Specific spaces such as Makerspaces and events such as hackathons and maker faires are avenues that Universities can implement. According to The Edvocate, "The processes of inquiry, reasoning, and collaboration required in STEM learning are similar to any experiential activity; learning activities must be hands-on experiences (Study International Staff, 2019). These activities not only publicize the University's commitment to fostering tech skills but provides an opportunity for a broader range of people to try.
Use technology more and adapt to technology
There is nothing as important as practicing what one preaches. The current Covid-19 pandemic has hastened the rate of adoption of technology by Universities for learning. By including technological methods in the learning process, students begin to develop the fluency and confidence to work with tech and eventually create and deploy innovative solutions.
There is a lot that universities can do, but it calls for intention and bold action to realize the Universities' potentials to contribute greatly to the STEM field and create technological innovation.
Tribune by Demilade OLUWASINA, International Business & Trade Faculty and Digital Economy Programmes Lead at the AfricanLeadership University, Rwanda.
