Research and Innovation Access: A Capacity Building Approach for Tangible Outcomes, Mohammed Alawami

Mohammed Alawami
University of Cambridge
United Kingdom

Purpose: Developing an accessible and scalable model designed to address the critical gap in research and innovation leadership capacity in developing countries, particularly in light of precarious overseas development funding.
Design/methodology/approach: The model employs a "trainer of trainers" strategy as a part of the ReachSci initiative. The model works by training individuals from developing countries in research and innovation principles and the skills to organise themselves programmes at scale, empowering them to run these curated programmes locally and globally.
Findings: Pilot programmes demonstrate strong results. 5 research trainers ran programmes across 49 countries, yielding 24 papers and 39 preprints. 8 innovation trainers ran programmes in 8 countries, resulting in 42 innovations and 5 startups.
Originality/Value: This model details a proven, scalable model for sustainable capacity building led by local leaders rather than external partners. We are now automating this model to scale the impact 100x within the next five years.