A Call for Proposals by UNU-MERIT
Research and Training Support to Build African Capacity in Science, Technology, and Innovation Indicators
Deadline for Applications: 11 December 2009 - 16:30
This Call for Proposals is made possible with support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC)
The immediate objective of this Call for Proposals is to support the development of case studies of innovation processes in Mozambique, Rwanda and South Africa. Project teams of successful applications, once they have made progress with their case studies, will engage in training to learn techniques, approaches, and uses of science, technology and innovation indicators as part of the policy process. This training will support the measurement and evaluation of domestic science, technology, and innovation capabilities in these countries, and more specifically build a critical mass of graduate students, researchers, and junior-to-mid-level policymakers with a strong understanding of the importance of linking various science and technology (S&T) capabilities in the country.
The broader objective of this competition is to train approximately thirty researchers and/or junior to mid-level policymakers in the techniques, approaches and uses of science, technology and innovation indicators. Some recent advances, current initiatives, and resources in indicator development and innovation studies on Africa are found in the African Statistical Journal, Volume 6, May 2008 and in the Discussion document: African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) - Towards African Indicator Manuals and should be consulted when developing proposals. Applicants are encouraged to think about innovation activities in their countries and to put forward case studies that will yield indicators that are not necessarily conventional, but which address local issues, including those arising in the informal economy, or those resulting from public sector activities or regulation.
Objectives and Research Themes:
This competition invites research proposals for specific case studies that address the following questions:
- How is the activity of innovation carried out in Mozambique, Rwanda or South Africa, with reference to specific examples from case studies?
- Do the findings from case studies of the activity of innovation in Mozambique, Rwanda or South Africa suggest indicators that could be used to support evidence-based policy?
- Based on the findings from case studies and related analysis, are there indicators of innovation that could be developed in future work and what are some possible implications for STI indicator activities in the country or region??
Process and Timetable
2009
- 07 September: Launch of Competition
- 11 December: Deadline for submission of proposals (16:30 hrs in Maastricht)
- 22 January : Communication of final decisions
2010 Dates to be agreed with case study teams and trainers.
- Training workshop in Mozambique
- Training workshop in Rwanda
- Training workshop in South Africa
- December 31, completion of case studies
Duration and Grant Size
Nine awards up to US$20,000. These grants will have a duration of up to 15 months.
Training Activities Associated with the Competition
The research team of the winning proposals will participate in a 3-day training workshop designed to support the creation of domestic capabilities in the development of science, technology, and innovation indicators and their use for monitoring and evaluation. The workshop will use material collected by the research teams in the course of their case studies.
Eligibility of Applications
Please read the eligibility requirements carefully. Proposals that do not meet these criteria will not be considered. In all cases, the decisions of the Review Committee will be final.- Applications will only be accepted from developing country institutions in the countries being studied.
- The recipient institution must be a recognized legal entity that is capable of entering into contractual arrangements and assuming legal and financial obligations.
- Research proposals must demonstrate relevance to the overall theme of the competition.
- The applicant(s) must demonstrate that they work in an environment that supports research through the administration of funds and the provision of space and equipment.
- Funds granted to winning proposals will be paid to the principal researcher’s host institution. Final budgets awarded for each project will be determined by UNU MERIT based on the review process and, if necessary, negotiation with the applicant institution. Comprehensive project budgets must be submitted as part of the proposal and should be consistent with the rules of the institution of the applicant.
- Collaboration with relevant ministries (e.g. Ministry of S&T) is encouraged.
- Teams consisting of researchers that also involve policymakers and collaboration with relevant ministries are encouraged.
Grants Selection
- Project ideas that fail to meet the eligibility criteria will be rejected.
- Proposals will be reviewed and rated by a Review Committee established specifically to assess the research methods and provide feedback on the feasibility of the proposals.
Content of Proposals
There is no application form. The quality assessment of the proposals will include clarity and succinctness.
These proposals should:
- Outline the proposed project and indicate how it addresses the theme of the competition and the specific role of indicators;
- State the specific objectives of the proposed project;
- Indicate how this project will contribute to addressing national or regional priorities;
- Indicate how the results of this project could be used (potential impact);
- Present a timetable and indicative budget by major budget headings*;
- Provide a list of the researchers, supported by curricula vitae, and indicate their institutional affiliation.
* The timetable should not include the training workshop. The workshop will be arranged by UNU MERIT after some or all of the case study work has been done. The grant is expected to cover the cost of participation in the workshop which will take place in the country where the work is being done.
Review Criteria
Eligible proposals will be assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
- Quality and feasibility (weighting 30%);
- Potential for impact (weighting 20%); and,
- Suitability of research team (weighting 50%).
Application Procedures
Send the proposal (email or courier) by no later than 16:30 hrs, Maastricht time, on 11 December, 2009) to Marc Vleugels (vleugels@merit.unu.edu) or to:
UNU MERIT
Keizer Karelplein 19
6211 TC Maastricht
The Netherlands
