The Politics and drivers underpinning Africa-Europe research and innovation cooperation

Abstract

This chapter provides a critical reflection on the achievements, over the last ten years, of the Africa-Europe partnership in science, technology and innovation (STI), following the introduction of the Joint Africa-EU Strategy in 2007. Building on the CAAST-Net experience and knowledge, the authors assess the multiple drivers (be they political, economic, scientific or even diplomatic) that boosted bi-regional cooperation on STI. In emphasising the political interests and constraints that significantly affect such cooperation, the authors show the rich potential of STI as a unique set of tools to address increasingly internationalised issues on the global scene.