Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development at LUSEM
Capacity development for innovation in Africa
From 2022–2026, Lund University School of Economics and Management will deliver five iterations of this capacity development programme as part of a larger project to strengthen the development and use of science, technology, and innovation (STI) indicators in Africa. The programme ultimately aims to contribute to the continental vision known as Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want’.
- About the programme
- The participants
- Course format and application
- Background to the course
- Course partners
- Supporting documents
About the programme
Why and how have some developing countries been able to set in motion catching-up processes while others remain stagnant or even fall behind?
The training programme examines key aspects of these processes and explores the role of innovation in transforming the economy and increasing social resilience over the long-term process of sustainable development in a low-income country context. Importantly, the training participants will apply historical and theoretical understanding to their current contexts across Africa, identifying policies and public investments that combine support for both innovation and sustainable development.
The programme is taught by experts at the Department of Economic History at the Lund University School of Economics and Management, who are looking forward not only to teaching but also to exchanging with programme participants, and innovation sector experts in African countries.
The participants
The programme is offered to:
- professionals engaged in the initiative African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) and/or innovation policy and management
- mid-to upper-level public officials across Africa
- participants ideally between the ages of 30 and 55
Applicants from low-income countries are especially encouraged to apply. The programme also strives for gender-balanced participation.
Apply here
Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development – lu-ce.mira.se
The programme is open for application until 31 October, 2025.
The fifth iteration of the programme will begin with an online introduction in April 2026 with lectures, reading, and short assignments. After this, we welcome participants to Sweden for three intensive weeks of seminars and group work in Lund, from May 19th to June 5th, 2026.
Requirements
Please note that the application requires that you attach the following documents in pdf format:
- CV
- Motivation letter
(Template – Motivational letter) - Letter of recommendation
- English language certificate
- Other documents that shows your merits relevant to the programme (optional)
Contact
Project team:
transformation [at] ehl [dot] lu [dot] se
Programme format and application
The programme begins with an online introduction during April with lectures, reading, and short assignments. After this, we welcome participants to Sweden and LUSEM for three intense weeks of seminars and group work in Lund during May–June.
The programme concludes with a final individual paper after the participants return home. With a passing grade on the final examination, participants receive a diploma and 7.5 ECTS credits, thereby also joining our alumni community.
Apply here
Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development – lu-ce.mira.se
The programme is open for application until 31 October, 2025.
The fifth iteration of the programme will begin with an online introduction in April 2026 with lectures, reading, and short assignments. After this, we welcome participants to Sweden for three intensive weeks of seminars and group work in Lund, from May 19th to June 5th, 2026.
Background
Innovation and innovation practices are vital to resilient, sustainable development. With this in mind, AUDA-NEPAD has driven forward the African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) Initiative since 2007. This multi-phase project aims to revitalise the in-country capability of senior officials to:
- Develop and promote the adoption of internationally compatible STI indicators;
- Build human and institutional capacities for STI indicators and related surveys;
- Enable African countries to participate in international programmes for STI indicators; and
- Inform African countries on the state of STI in Africa.
The programme contributes to one of the goals of the ASTII project: to produce a community of best practice with at least 100 trained officials by 2026, who together work to improve Africa’s National Innovation Systems. Each programme cohort comprises 20-25 professionals across Africa who will gain specialised knowledge of the role of innovation in resilience and sustainable development. Programme alumni will be valued members of this community with network opportunities across Africa and with institutions involved in the Swedish Innovation System.
Your motivation letter should be max 1–2 pages, explaining why
you want to participate and how the programme will benefit your
professional organisation, please answer the questions below.
As part of the training programme, selected participants will be required
to produce a fully developed and ready-to-use PowerPoint presentation
and executive summary on a chosen topic. This assignment should
focus on a policy, industrial change, or innovation in your country that
needs to be addressed to achieve sustainable development. For
example, you might choose to explore how to strengthen your country’s
National Innovation System or analyse a specific industry, sector, or
public policy area that interests you from a STI perspective. Subject to
the availability of resources, selected project proposals may also be
reviewed for potential inclusion in a Project Acceleration Programme
within the framework of ASTII.
- Briefly describe your work and the institution where you are working
(e.g. duties, position and mandate for you and your organisation in
the national innovation system).
- From a practitioner’s perspective, select and describe a specific
current challenge in your daily work (and possibly also suggestions
for solution of the described challenge).
- Explain how your participation in the training programme will
empower you and your organisation to address the opportunities and
challenges faced by your organisation and/or in the national
innovation system of your country.
- Please include a pitch for your planned project (250-300 words).
Requirements
Please note that the application requires that you attach the following documents in pdf format:
- CV
- Motivation letter
(Template – Motivational letter) - Letter of recommendation
- English language certificate
- Other documents that shows your merits relevant to the programme (optional)
How it all started
- Focus on sustainable development for new Sida course in Africa and Lund
LU news article published 30 November 2021 - Lund University in cooperation on sustainable development in Africa
LU news article published 1 June 2023