To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) it has become clear that we require systemic change across societies, and that as a consequence we need transformational pathways of development. This in turn requires knowledge that is transformative, both in terms of its focus, and how it is produced and mobilised for impact and change. But what kinds of science systems are needed to develop such knowledge? This project will explore how new global models of resource mobilisation and new forms of collaboration between international funding agencies and science systems in low- and middle-income countries can generate the transformative knowledge required to achieve the SDGs.
With this aim the project will use innovative foresight methods to gather and articulate different visions about more sustainable and equitable futures, and about the types of knowledge and in turn science, technology and innovation systems that are required to help realise those futures. Particular attention will be paid to how new forms of organisation, priority setting, resource mobilisation and collaboration can help science systems contribute to transformative pathways of development. Our approach to foresight will include diverse stakeholders, including those who are usually excluded from or make little demands on science technology and innovation systems.
The project will be led by Anabel Marin, a technology, innovation and transformation specialist. Fiona Marshall will lend technical input and expertise, through her extensive knowledge of rapid social and environmental change. Project partners, Centro de Investigaciones para la Transformación (CENIT), Argentina, and Center for Complex Systems in Transition (CST), South Africa, will bring in expertise on transformative pathways and foresight process methods in South America and Africa, respectively. The International Science Council will participate in an advisory role, as will the funders to the project International Development Research Centre (IDRC).
Examples of ongoing conversations on a similar thematic area by members of the project include:
- STRINGS Workshop, 28th February and 1st March 2022. Anabel Marin presenting on the role of local and global governance in steering science, technology and innovation (STI) for the SDGs.
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