About ATPS
The ATPS is a trans-disciplinary network of researchers, policymakers, private sector actors and the civil society that promote the generation, dissemination, use and mastery of STI for African development, environmental sustainability and global inclusion.
In collaboration with like-minded institutions, ATPS provides platforms for collaborative and innovative policy research to support African governments and STI institutions/stakeholders to build necessary knowledge conditions and infrastructures, policies and incentives, and capabilities for STI knowledge generation, brokerage, circulation, and socialization to ensure effective valorization and commercialization of scientific and indigenous knowledge into new technologies and innovations for sustainable development on the continent.
ATPS In Numbers
What We Stand For
ATPS MISSION
To improve the quality of science, technology and innovation (STI) systems research, policy and practice by strengthening capacity for STI knowledge generation, dissemination, and use for sustainable development in Africa
ATPS VISION
To use Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) as a means for achieving sustainable development in Africa
OVERALL OBJECTIVE
To build Africa’s capabilities in science, technology and innovation for sustainable development
OUR HISTORY
During the 1980s, Africa saw the rise of two key networks: the Eastern and Southern Africa Technology Policy Studies (EATPS) and the Western Africa Technology Policy Studies (WATPS). By 1994, the African Technology Policy Studies (ATPS) network was inaugurated as a secretariat within the International Development Research Centre’s East and Southern Africa Regional Office. In 2001, ATPS evolved into an independent international entity with diplomatic recognition in Kenya. While retaining a science and technology policy focus, it has graduated to the STI centre of excellence and Knowledge for Development network in Africa. As it has evolved, so has its approach to capacity building, research, training, communication and outreach, and partnerships.
The core objective of ATPS has been to develop a pool of skilled researchers focused on technology policy issues in Africa. This expertise is crucial for crafting policies that are relevant to the continent’s specific technological needs and ultimately contribute to positive socio-economic development for its people.
Today, the ATPS has over 5000 members and 5000 stakeholders in over 51 countries in 5 continents with institutional partnerships worldwide. We implement our programs through members in national chapters established in 30 countries (27 in Africa and 3 Diaspora chapters in Australia, United States of America, and United Kingdom) with its secretariat in Nairobi Kenya.
The 2019 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report was officially released on 28 January 2020 marking14 years of the Think Tanks and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP) that aims to acknowledge important contributions as well as emerging trends in think tanks worldwide. The report seeks to showcase the role played by think tanks in governments and civil societies with the sole aim of improving their capacity as well as performance. A total of 8,248 think tanks were catalogued and ranked in 2019 by expert panels comprising of members from diverse backgrounds and disciplines. The report shows that the African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) has retained its top position as the 1st Top Science and Technology Policy Think Tank in Africa and 10th globally.