About Foster Project
The FOSTER project`s proposal aims to support the digital economy and connectivity in the Partner Countries (PCs) (Kenya and Tanzania) by advancing the implementation of Open Science principles and values considering the best practices of the European Union and needs of socio-economic environment in both PCs. The importance of promoting Open Science (OS) as the vision for the future of conducting science is shared by many, and it is gaining momentum across institutions, governments, and regions at a global level. High-capacity network links are critical to support the digital economy Sub Sahara Africa. The roadmap toward the OS vision have been successfully adopted by EU government through policy framework, which guided institutions to respond to the call.
The roadmaps toward the OS vision are being shaped by guiding principles such as Open Access; the adoption of Open Data and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) data principles and citizenship science; the recognition, support and training of researchers; the participation of communities; the development of infrastructures, policies and regulations; and the need for broader stakeholder engagement, coordination and high-level government support. It is imperative that African governments and institutions take advantage of the momentum and build research infrastructures that are responsive to this movement. Taking into account the relations to Sub Sahara African countries, EU promotes a peaceful, secure, and open ICT environment, while addressing cybersecurity threats and protecting human rights and freedoms online, including personal data protection which lead to the importance and of the coherent regulatory approach to support private and public investment in the ‘digital’ infrastructure, as well as policies and incentives to bridge the digital divide, particularly in remote regions or landlocked countries.
The FOSTER proposal was developed was developed in response to the joint communication: “Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa” (Brussels, 09.3.2020), with the focus on support of its two objectives, namely “2. Partners for digital transformation” and “3. Partners for sustainable growth and jobs.”
The FOSTER project`s proposal is relevant to the objectives and activities of the CBHE action and specificities of the Strand 2:
- Our FOSTER project`s proposal is addressing the CBHE action`s objective “Increase the capacities of HEIs, bodies in charge of higher education and competent authorities of third countries not associated to the programme to modernise their higher education systems, particularly in terms of governance and financing, by supporting the definition, implementation and monitoring of reform processes”.
- For the benefit of Partner Countries` Higher Education Institutions (PCHEIs), the proposal combines the following element of the STRAND 2: “Promoting reform in HEIs to become catalysts of economic and social development” by supporting HEIs to develop and implement the institutional reforms that will make them more democratic, inclusive, equitable, and full-fledged constituents of the civil society.
The project`s proposal is addressing the overarching priority for “DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION” in region 9 “Sub saharan Africa” by supporting the digital economy and connectivity through digital transformation of education and science (by developing Data infrastructure, Data management, Digital inclusion, Inclusive and Responsible Research and Innovation, Collaborative research, Citizen Science).
The FOSTER proposal was developed was developed in response to the joint communication: “Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa” (Brussels, 09.3.2020), with the focus on support of its two objectives, namely “2. Partners for digital transformation” and “3. Partners for sustainable growth and jobs.”
