Pre-Conference Workshop – Driving Policy through Research, Communication and Partnerships for Institutional Transformation

Workshop by the Association of African Universities (AAU) in partnership with the University of Cape Coast, Ghana

Hosted by Mohammed V University in Rabat, Morocco

19^th to 20^th July 2025 |   Venue: Rabat, Morocco

 Pre-Conference Event to the AAU 16^th General Conference

 Workshop Title: Driving Policy through Research, Communication and Partnerships for Institutional Transformation
Registration Link – https://forms.office.com/r/uJ7STBxa8J                               

 

Background

An adeptly communicative African higher education institution holds the power to bridge the gap between research and action, enabling policymakers and stakeholders to make well-informed decisions while positioning/reaffirming itself as a trusted source of expertise. This strategic positioning is crucial in attracting multiple partners to an institution.

With research playing a pivotal role in informing policymaking and shaping reforms, policymakers often rely on research findings, debates, and discourses to make informed decisions. The effective packaging, dissemination, and communication of research findings are essential in ensuring their relevance and impact on policy formulation. Policy briefs have emerged as a valuable tool for disseminating research findings and providing advice on potential policy options. A policy brief is a concise document that presents research findings and recommendations to a non-specialist audience, aiming to evaluate policy options and provide evidence-based actionable recommendations that align with the practical constraints policymakers face.

Scholars such as Young and Quinn (2007) emphasize the importance of succinctness in policy briefs, defining them as short documents tailored for non-specialist readers. Eisele (2006) views policy briefs as neutral summaries of information related to specific issues or problems. The crafting of a policy brief demands two critical technical skills. Firstly, the ability to judiciously select relevant information and findings from research that align with recommended policy options. Secondly, the skill to present this information in a concise, purpose-driven, and accessible manner that resonates with non-research audiences. Strong and effective communication skills, therefore, become crucial in this process.

Moreover, in an increasingly dynamic and interconnected world, effective communication is paramount for organizations to thrive. The concept of strategic communication goes beyond conventional practices, emphasizing the need for a purposeful, cohesive, and forward-thinking approach to communication that aligns with an institutions’ mission and goals. By strategically managing communication and building strong relationships with stakeholders, African Higher Education Institutions can enhance their competitiveness, foster organizational success, and positively influence their reputation.

Strategic communication requires the intentional and purposeful use of communication by organizations to fulfill their mission. This approach to communication has been recognized as a crucial element in achieving competitive advantage, organizational effectiveness, and the establishment of lasting relationships with stakeholders. Several scholars have emphasized its significance in shaping the communication processes of an organization. Notably, the research field of strategic communication thrives when specific research objectives, perspectives, and institutional manifestations contribute to a cumulative body of knowledge.

On a parallel front, the concept of Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) as cooperative arrangements between public and private partners has gained significant attention and relevance in recent years. Researchers, such as Kwak et al. (2009) defined PPPs as strategic alliances that seek to leverage the unique capabilities of both sectors, facilitating the attainment of shared objectives while mitigating individual limitations. Likewise, Rybnicek et al. (2020) emphasize the growing popularity of PPPs as a means to establish synergies, bridging the gap between the public and private spheres in tackling complex societal issues.

PPPs by their very design, allow institutions from both sides to combine their strengths and resources to achieve common social, economic, and environmental objectives. In such partnerships, both parties share risks, responsibilities, and rewards, fostering a collaborative approach towards addressing modern challenges and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development. Collaborating with private enterprises enables universities to leverage resources, expertise, and innovation from the business sector, enhancing the quality of education, research capabilities, and employability of graduates. Such partnerships facilitate the alignment of academic programs with industry needs, promoting relevant skill development and entrepreneurship. Moreover, joint initiatives stimulate economic growth, knowledge transfer, and technology diffusion while fostering a culture of innovation that supports Africa’s aspirations for inclusive and diversified advancement. The need to therefore sharpen staff skills in this area is crucial.

 

Objectives: The main objectives of the workshop are to:

1. Equip participants with practical skills in crafting policy-oriented research and developing concise and persuasive policy briefs.
2. Demonstrate the significance of research evidence in informing policymaking and driving meaningful policy change.
3. Showcase the role of organizational PPPs in fostering collaborative partnerships and addressing modern challenges for sustainable development.
4. Explore the principles and practices of strategic communication to enhance organizational competitiveness, reputation, and stakeholder relationships.
5. Facilitate the integration of writing research for policy, organizational PPPs, and strategic communication for a holistic approach to driving sustainable policy change and organizational success.

 

Expected Outcomes:

• Participants will leave the workshop with enhanced skills in crafting compelling policy briefs that effectively communicate research findings to influence policy agendas.
• They will have the ability to package complex research information concisely and persuasively, catering to the needs of non-research audiences, and offering evidence-based recommendations for policy change.
• By equipping participants with strategic communications skills and insights, the workshop will enable institutions to effectively engage stakeholders, build strong relationships, and navigate the complexities of an interconnected global landscape.
• Participants will be equipped with the knowledge to identify and cultivate mutually beneficial partnerships with private enterprises, leading to enriched research opportunities, industry-relevant curriculum development, and increased funding attraction to their institutions.

 

Expected Participants

 1. Academics and Researchers from African universities

2. University Administrators: Leaders and managers from African higher education institutions.

3. Policy Makers: Government officials, policymakers, and stakeholders who would benefit from research-informed policy decisions.

4. Communication Professionals: Staff from African universities responsible for strategic communication, public relations, and stakeholder engagement.

5. Research Officers: Professionals involved in research and policy analysis.

6. Partnership and Collaboration Experts: Individuals involved in developing and managing public-private partnerships (PPPs) in African higher education institutions

 

Workshop Cost

Registration Fee (Preconference Workshop and General Conference participation) – USD 700

Registration Fee (Preconference Workshop alone): USD500

Please note: Institutions will be responsible for the travel and accommodation costs of their delegates. The registration fees cover the conference package, including training materials, certificates, tea/coffee, and lunches for the duration of the workshop and conference. Participants will be responsible for their own dinners.

Contact Information

Should you require further information, please contact Ms. Ellen Fosu @  commserve@aau.org or contact her via +233 544772755 with a copy to fnkrumah@aau.org via +233 246425147

About the AAU General Conference

The Association of African Universities (AAU) is organising its 16th Quadrennial General Conference from July 21–25, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, hosted by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P). Mohammed V University (UM5), an AAU member will also hosting the AU Governing Board Meeting preceding the conference.

Under the theme “Shaping the Future of Higher Education for Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa”, the event aims to unite higher education stakeholders — including university leaders, researchers, policymakers, students, and industry partners — to address challenges and explore strategies for sustainable development in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063.

The conference will feature scientific sessions, panel discussions, and exhibitions, all focused on enhancing access to education, fostering innovation, and aligning curricula with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

For more information and registration, please visit the conference website: https://events.aau.org/gencon/. Participants are highly encouraged to participate in the conference to contribute to the discussions around shaping the future of higher education and to network with the over 500 stakeholders from across the world expected at the event.

 

References

Rybnicek, R., Plakolm, J., & Baumgartner, L. (2020). Risks in public–private partnerships: A systematic literature review of risk factors, their impact and risk mitigation strategies. Public Performance & Management Review, 43(5), 1174-1208.

Kwak, Y. H., Chih, Y., & Ibbs, C. W. (2009). Towards a comprehensive understanding of public private partnerships for infrastructure development. California Management Review, 51(2), 51–78