ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the relationship in technological innovation between the EU and Africa over the period 2000-2017. A multistakeholder analysis involving both state and non-state actors is then undertaken in the technological innovation relations between the EU and Africa. African-EU innovation relations have been primarily pursued in the context of state-centric Africa-EU summits. Critical areas of collaboration in the Africa-EU technological innovation agenda include food and nutrition security, sustainable agriculture, infectious and parasitic diseases, sustainable energy, climate change, transport, ICT, and marine research. Within a multiple stakeholder perspective, it is vital to complement state actors with non-state actors such as private sector firms, universities, think tanks, and civil society organizations. It is vital to enhance frameworks to give greater prominence to non-state “track two” actors in Africa-EU technological innovation diplomacy. Three future scenarios in Africa-EU technology innovation relations are provided in the chapter: A positive one where non-state actors are given great prominence in Africa-EU relations in technological innovation; and a second negative scenario where state-centric lenses continue to dominate innovation relations between the EU and Africa resulting in ineffective implementation of critical innovation outcomes. Another vital emerging scenario in the future of Africa-EU technological innovation is the balanced partnership, where contributions are made to different components of the partnership in an equitable manner.
