Analysis & Opinions - New African

Unleash the Power of Universities

Author:

Calestous Juma

| July 15, 2015

To capitalise on the demographic dividend and create the economies of the future, Africa must move away from post-colonial university models and create institutions that house teaching, research and entrepreneurship under one roof, argues Calestous Juma.

"Africa's youth is dynamic and entrepreneurial. This exciting, fizzing generation's drive needs to be channelled into powerful innovation for the economy and society. Youth, like fish, does not keep. But, unlike fish, it cannot be stored in the deep freezer for future use. Reaping the benefits of the demographic dividend requires deliberate policy to prepare the youth for changing work and equip them with the necessary skills. It is for this reason that the 10-year Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024) focuses on higher technical training, especially in the engineering and entrepreneurial fields...."

Continue reading: http://newafricanmagazine.com/calestous-juma-unleash-the-power-of-universities/

For more information on this publication: Belfer Communications Office

For Academic Citation: Juma, Calestous.“Unleash the Power of Universities.” New African, July 15, 2015.

The Author

Calestous Juma

Former Professor of the Practice of International Development; Director, Science, Technology, and Globalization Project; Principal Investigator, Agricultural Innovation in Africa
Former Member of the Board, Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs