UNESCO Backs the African Continental Platform to improve Data Management on Science, Technology, and Innovation

UNESCO has stated that it will support the African Continental Platform for Data Management on Science, Technology, and Innovation. UNESCO has initiated support to the African Observatory for Science, Technology and Innovation (AOSTI) towards the designing of an innovative continental platform for data management. It has said that the design will be accomplished tentatively by end of June 2021.

The platform will be interactive and digitally user-friendly for collection, aggregation, analysis and dissemination of critical data. The AOSTI was established to serve as a continental repository for Science, Technology and Innovation statistics. Besides, it also serves as the source of policy analysis in support of evidence-based policy making in Africa. Since its establishment, there has been an increased availability of STI data, particularly in R&D (inputs and outputs data), innovation and in policy instruments.

The platform will, also serve as a continental web-based repository for STI data and statistics which will facilitate the reporting processes and improve evidence-based policy making. The AOSTI aims to offer up to date information on the national STI indicators; and other pivotal information regarding instruments, legislation, and regulations that are required for the African countries.