Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development at LUSEM

Capacity development for innovation in Africa

From 2022–2026, Lund University School of Economics and Management will deliver five iterations of this capacity development programme as part of a larger project to strengthen the development and use of science, technology, and innovation (STI) indicators in Africa. The course ultimately aims to contribute to the continental vision known as Agenda 2063, ‘The Africa We Want’.

A group of adult students in a lecture room. Photo — The course brings together professionals from Africa, fostering international collaboration and practical application of sustainable development practices in their home countries. Photo: Johan Persson.

About the programme

Why and how have some developing countries been able to set in motion catching-up processes while others remain stagnant or even fall behind?

The training programme examines key aspects of these processes and explores the role of innovation in transforming the economy and increasing social resilience over the long-term process of sustainable development in a low-income country context. Importantly, the training participants will apply historical and theoretical understanding to their current contexts across Africa, identifying policies and public investments that combine support for both innovation and sustainable development.

The programme is taught by experts at the Department of Economic History at the Lund University School of Economics and Management, who are looking forward not only to teaching but also to exchanging with programme participants, and innovation sector experts in African countries.

The participants

The programme is offered to:

professionals engaged in the initiative African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) and/or innovation policy and management
mid-to upper-level public officials across Africa
participants ideally between the ages of 30 and 55

Applicants from low-income countries are especially encouraged to apply. The programme also strives for gender-balanced participation.

Apply to the programme

The programme will open for application on September 15, 2025.

Apply for the programme Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development – mira.se

The fifth iteration of the programme will begin with an online introduction in April 2026 with lectures, reading, and short assignments. After this, we welcome participants to Sweden for three intense weeks of seminars and group work in Lund, from May 19th to June 5th, 2026.

Contact

Project team:
transformation [at] ehl [dot] lu [dot] se

Programme partners

The programme is delivered by Lund University School of Economics and Management and financed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the African Union Development Agency-New Partnership for Africa’s Development (AUDA-NEPAD).

Testimonial about the programme

What we learned — and will take home

News article published 15 June 2025

LUSEM’s annual innovation programme draws global attention

News article published 13 June 2024

From Africa to Lund for joining a course at LUSEM

News article published 29 May 2022

Programme format and application

The programme begins with an online introduction during April with lectures, reading, and short assignments. After this, we welcome participants to Sweden and LUSEM for three intense weeks of seminars and group work in Lund during May–June.

The programme concludes with a final individual paper after the participants return home. With a passing grade on the final examination, participants receive a diploma and 7.5 ECTS credits, thereby also joining our alumni community.

Apply to the programme

The programme will open for application on September 15, 2025.

Apply for the programme Innovation, Transformation and Resilience for Sustainable Development – mira.se

Background

Innovation and innovation practices are vital to resilient, sustainable development. With this in mind, AUDA-NEPAD has driven forward the African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (ASTII) Initiative since 2007. This multi-phase project aims to revitalise the in-country capability of senior officials to:

Develop and promote the adoption of internationally compatible STI indicators;
Build human and institutional capacities for STI indicators and related surveys;
Enable African countries to participate in international programmes for STI indicators; and
Inform African countries on the state of STI in Africa.

The programme contributes to one of the goals of the ASTII project: to produce a community of best practice with at least 100 trained officials by 2026, who together work to improve Africa’s National Innovation Systems. Each programme cohort comprises 20-25 professionals across Africa who will gain specialised knowledge of the role of innovation in resilience and sustainable development. Programme alumni will be valued members of this community with network opportunities across Africa and with institutions involved in the Swedish Innovation System.