The global economy’s progress is increasingly driven by science, technology, and innovation (STI), which enhance competitiveness across sectors like agriculture, environment, health, education, finance, and energy. Emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, virtual/augmented reality (VR/AR), cloud computing, quantum computing, 5G networks, synthetic biology, and neurotechnology—offer transformative potential. These innovations, often linked to the 4IR, can accelerate economic transformation in developing regions. For instance, AI alone could add up to $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, boosting productivity and innovation.

However, technology adoption varies according to factors such as national priorities, location, human capabilities, costs, and political will. In SSA, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, barriers such as limited investment, infrastructure, intellectual property constraints, and skills gaps hinder progress, exacerbating North-South inequalities. Financial limitations often impede researchers in LMICs, but South-South and North-South partnerships can mitigate this through shared resources and local leadership.

META addresses these challenges by building on existing STI literature and gathering data to inform diversified investments and collaborations. The project emphasizes responsibility and gender inclusivity, aligning with ethical principles and recognizing intersectional factors in technology ecosystems. It draws from ATPS’s prior work, including the Responsible Artificial Intelligence for Agriculture and Food Systems (AI4AFS) project, and adheres to ATPS policies on Gender, Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), and Safeguarding. By mapping technologies and capabilities, META positions STI systems in the Global South to adapt and deploy innovations for sustainable development goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 on gender equality.