Transcript Socio-Economic Impact Presentation_PG_v03x

Socio-economic impact
of African-European research
infrastructure cooperation
Pilar Gómez
Policy Analyst
ISC Intelligence in Science
Rue du Trône, 4
1000 Brussels
Belgium
www.iscintelligence.com
Objective and context
1. To analyze how new research infrastructure
development or cooperation using existing
research infrastructures, contribute to socioeconomic development.
2. Target groups: African and European research
infrastructures.
OUR METHOD
Desk research – studies, projects, etc.
Scope of analysis and target groups
Identification of socio-economic indicators
Survey
Case study - SALT
SOCIO-ECONOMIC INDICATORS
based on FERIAM EU funded project
Science, Technology and
Innovation indicators
• New services and
opportunities for users and
customers
• New knowledge and skills
(scientific papers)
• New methods, techniques,
and applications
• Mutual learning,
knowledge exchange, spill
overs
• Intellectual Property Rights
• New instruments and
products
• New science and
innovation networks
• Opportunities for spin-offs
and start-ups
Economic indicators
Social indicators
• New directly and indirectly
created jobs
• Research training for
students
• Increased economic
activity by RI expenditure
• Career opportunities
• RI shaping cultural life and
lifestyles
• More public awareness of
benefits from science
• Training and skill
development (scientists,
general staff)
• Highly-skilled workers for
the labour market
• Critical mass and synergy
effects with other facilities
• Etc…
• Increased social cohesion
• Etc…
CASE STUDY- SALT: Context
1. The Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) is the largest single
optical telescope in the southern hemisphere with hexagonal
mirror array 11 metres in diameter, total of 91 individual mirrors.
2. Similar to Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET) in Texas.
3. International partners includes universities and institutes from
Africa, New Zealand, Poland, UK, Germany and US.
4. SALT can detect the light from faint or distant objects in the
Universe. Its scientific scope extends from searching for planets
around neighboring stars to the study of the most distant objects
in the Universe.
5. Concluded in 2005. From 2006 to 2009 it entered a period of
commissioning and performance verification.
Pictures of SALT
CASE STUDY - SALT: Economic impact
1. Increased economic activity in the area. 60% of contracts and tenders for the
construction of SALT awarded to South African industry as well as building
infrastructure such as roads and buildings.
2. New skilled jobs in industry. Likewise, many of high tech aspects of the project
were undertaken by South African industry – this means the acquiring of skills
previously not present or fully realized in the country.
3. Creation of direct new jobs. When SALT became operational, almost 40
specialized jobs were created; software, electronic and mechanical engineering,
electronic technicians, etc.
4. Indirect creation of jobs due to boost of tourism in the area: visits grew from few
hundred to over 13,000 people. Substantial increase of small business ranging
from accommodation, restaurant, and other tourism related business. Estimated
at 80 people employed
5. Synergies effects with other related astronomy areas. Decision of the
International Astronomical Union to locate in South Africa the Office of
Astronomy for Development.
CASE STUDY- SALT: Social impact
1. The SALT Collateral Benefits Programme (SCBP) was established
during the construction of SALT within the South African
Astronomical Observatory (SAAO) to ensure tangible benefits
from astronomy to African society.
2. Training of students. Creation of a graduate programme called
“National Astrophysics and Space Science Programme”. It is a
combined programme for graduates in physics, applied
mathematics or engineering, hosted at the University of Cape
Town in collaboration with other 10 universities.
3. Training of scientists and technicians on how to use operate SALT.
New astronomer with senior astronomer.
CASE STUDY- SALT: Social impact.
cont
4. Education. SALT is well known by every pupil in the country and is part of
the school curriculum at different levels. It is used to teach concepts in
mathematics, science and technology.
5. Inspire young people. SALT shows that there are great job opportunities
in their own country in the fields of science, technology and engineering
– prevent brain drain.
6. Structuring effect on building
the scientific community. Promoting
close cooperation between
astronomers, researchers, students
and engineers worldwide.
More examples of RI in Africa
1. Research reactors in Africa produce
radioisotopes for nuclear medicine – including
for European market
2. Surveys by research vessels of marine
biodiversity support science education remote
rural areas
3. Location of remote stations of distributed
telescopes in rural areas enable high-speed
Internet connectivity rural populations
Thank you for your attention
Pilar Gómez
Policy Analyst
ISC Intelligence in Science
Rue du Trône, 4
1000 Brussels
Belgium