The African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS) has emerged tops in Africa for the second year running under 18 out of the 25 relevant categories used for ranking in the 2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report recently released by the University of Pennsylvania (USA) under the Think Tank and Civil Societies Program (TTCSP). This makes the ATPS come first among all other Think Tanks in Africa that were nominated and ranked in the global survey for 2015 (getting the highest number of rankings as well as ranking first in more categories).

The Report ranks the ATPS as the Best Think Tank Network; Best managed Think Tank; and Best Think Tank with the most Significant Impact on Public Policy in Africa placing it at position 14, 18 and 28 respectively in the world.

ATPS’s well-networked system across Africa and its strategic mandate also contributed to it being recognized and ranked 1st under Think Tanks with the best use of the Internet (26th globally), Best Transdisplinary Research Think Tank (11th globally) and Best institutional Collaboration involving Two or more Think Tanks (7th globally).

Most remarkable is ATPS Policy Paper titled “Mainstreaming Gender in the National Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy of Kenya” which was also ranked 1st in Africa and 2nd globally among the Best Policy Study/Report Produced by a Think Tank. This policy brief has been used to influence science, technology and innovation policies in Kenya and it has received wide accolades from our different stakeholders in Africa and globally. The policy report is available online at: https://atpsnet.org/Files/pb44.pdf

In addition, ATPS ranked 2nd under the Best Science and Technology Think Tanks, which is within its core mandate of promoting science and technology for sustainable development in Africa. Furthermore, ATPS came tops amongst Think Tanks with the Most Innovative Policy Ideas/Proposals (30th globally); Top Think Tanks with Annual Operating Budgets of Less Than $5 Million USD (8th globally); and Best Advocacy Campaign Think Tank (18th globally). Even more, ATPS was ranked 44th globally and 4th in Africa amongst Top International Development Think Tanks.

Overall, the ATPS ranked amongst the top Think Tanks and Civil Society Programs globally, ranking 101 amongst Top Think Tanks Worldwide (US and Non-U.S.) and 7th in Africa. The 2015 Global Go To Think Tank Index Report was generated from an evaluation of a total of 6,846 Think Tanks across the world and 615 in sub-Saharan Africa that went through the nomination and ranking processes.

Global Go To Think Tank Index is an annual ranking that identifies the most significant contributions and emerging global trends of think tanks worldwide. The survey is conducted by Think Tank and Civil Societies Program at University of Pennsylvania. For more details on the 2015 Global Go Think Tank Index, kindly visit: http://repository.upenn.edu/think_tanks/10/

The ATPS Board and Management takes this opportunity to thank all its stakeholders – ATPS Board, National Chapter Coordinators in all the 30 Chapters in Africa, USA, UK and Australia; Secretariat staff, and the entire 1500 network members and stakeholders spread across 51 countries in 5 continents for the enormous supports and strategic guidance received in 2015. We look forward to your continued cooperation in 2016 and beyond. It is with no doubt that with your continued support, ATPS will accomplish its mandate to achieve Africa’s sustainable development through STI.

ATPS Ranking at a Glance:

For inquiries on collaboration and funding support, please do kindly contact:

Dr. Nicholas Ozor

Executive Director,

African Technology Policy Studies Network (ATPS),

3rd Floor, The Chancery Building, Valley Road,

P.O. Box 10081- 00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya,

Email: executivedirector@atpsnet.org

Telephone: +254 (0) 20-2714092; Mobile: +254 (0) 713 161 928