Towards Open Science Communities development in Sub-Saharan Africa Region (OSCAR 2.0)

The roadmaps toward the Open Science (OS) vision are being shaped by guiding principles such as Open Access; the adoption of Open Data and FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable) data principles and citizenship science; the recognition, support and training of researchers; the participation of communities; the development of infrastructures, policies and regulations; and the need for broader stakeholder engagement, coordination and high-level government support. It is imperative that African governments and institutions take advantage of the momentum and build research infrastructures that are responsive to this movement. OSCAR 2.0 project`s proposal aims to foster the effective digital transformation of education and science in the Partner Countries (PCs) (Zambia and Botswana) in order to develop digital infrastructure and connections, where heightened reliability, capacity and security will support regional economic integration by boosting engagement of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in implementation of Open Science principles and values in each PC. OSCAR 2.0 project`s proposal was developed in response to the joint communication: “Towards a comprehensive Strategy with Africa” (Brussels, 09.3.2020), with the focus on support of its two objectives, namely “2. Partners for digital transformation” and “3. Partners for sustainable growth and jobs.” OSCAR 2.0 is in line with African Union by addressing one of the Specific objectives of the AU’s strategic area, and namely “To advance the development of the continent by promoting research in all fields, in particular in science and technology.” OSCAR 2.0 is relevant to the objectives and activities of the CBHE action and specificities of the Strand 2: • project`s proposal is addressing the CBHE action`s objective “Increase the capacities of HEIs, bodies in charge of higher education and competent authorities of third countries not associated to the programme to modernise their higher education systems, particularly in terms of governance and financing, by supporting the definition, implementation and monitoring of reform processes”. Through its foreseen activities the OSCAR 2.0 project will contribute to this objective by fostering effective digital transformation of education and science ecosystems of each PCHEIs. • for the benefit of Partner Countries` Higher Education Institutions (PCHEIs), the proposal combines the following element of the STRAND 2: “Promoting reform in HEIs to become catalysts of economic and social development” by supporting HEIs to develop and implement the institutional reforms that will make them more democratic, inclusive, equitable, and full-fledged constituents of the civil society. OSCAR 2.0 project will contribute to the reforming of the HEIs by developing new regulatory framework on Open Science (OS) (elaborated and adopted Open Science strategies, Open Access policy, Data Management Plan); built human capacity on OS initiatives (Inclusive and Responsible Research, collaborative research and Citizen Science (engagement of civil society in science processes)). • the project`s proposal is addressing the overarching priority for “DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION” in the region 9 “Sub-Saharan Africa”. The OSCAR 2.0 project will contribute by developing cooperation opportunities in digital infrastructure and connections, where heightened reliability, capacity, and security to support regional economic integration and providing new means to reach out to vulnerable communities. Developed OSinfrastructure of each PCHEIs (purchased equipment to consolidated institutional repositories, data centres) in order to meet FAIR principles).