Mobility Exchange as a Co-Creative Opportunity to Boost International Cooperation in Science and Higher Education Excellence to Address Global Challenges

Paper Abstract:

Purpose: To position international cooperation in science and higher education as a vital strategy for addressing complex global challenges.

Methodology: A synthesis of lessons from mobility exchange (ME) activities funded by the European Commission (ICT-4MRPQ with 8 institutions from 3 countries & Agrinatura with 34 institutions from 16 countries). Triangulation was used to validate emerging themes from findings before generalizations.

Findings: ME is a powerful platform to boost co-creative opportunities that enhance the quality and impact of research & innovation. Itfacilitates the formation of multilateral clusters of excellence by bringing together diverse expertise, perspectives, and resources from across borders. Additionally, by enabling collaborative problem-solving, ME can accelerate the development of solutions to pressing global issues enshrined in SDG Agenda 2030 (e.g., climate change, pandemics, digital divide) while fostering academic growth, cultural exchange, and the dissemination of knowledge.

Practical Implications: ME promotes international scientific collaboration, notably the potential to create synergies that strengthen both individual academic institutions and global research networks.

Recommendation: There is need to strengthen local and international policy frameworks that support mobility programs and multilateral partnerships through political commitment and increased financial commitments reducing numerous constraints to mobility: cost of intra-African air transport, difficulties in obtaining visas, costs of logistics and communication, among others. This will ensure sustainable and impactful outcomes in addressing shared global challenges.



Acknowledgments. FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, I.P. (UIDB/00239/2020, Forest Research Center; DOI 10.54499/UIDB/00239/2020); European Union (Erasmus ICT4MRPQ Project nº: 101083105; INTPA Ares(2020)7017587/ ICD nº 41920); & Agrinatura.

Co-authors:
David Katamba, Makerere University Business School
Baudouin Michel, Regional Postgraduate Training School on Integrated Management of Tropical Forests and Lands
Andrea Valente, Instituto do Oriente, School of Social and Political Sciences, Tropical College, University of Lisbon