The first edition of the ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab) concluded on 13 May 2021. It has been an 8-week long online journey exploring “Universities’ Role in Artificial Intelligence Innovation Ecosystems”.
The Lab brought together 28 participants, representing 22 ASEM Countries, to exchange good practices, co-create new ideas, and explore areas for collaboration amongst their institutions. Participants brought great expertise and a wide variety of experience to the table, which resulted in mindful discussions throughout the programme. You can browse the participants’ profile in this booklet.
The overall aim of the ASEFInnoLab was to bring together university managers, administrators and academics to
- Enhance understanding of AI Innovation ecosystems
- Increase insights and knowledge to advance innovation ecosystems
- Prepare an action plan to get ahead of change.
An 8-week long programme was carefully designed with our partner, Fudan University, to understand the impact of AI on higher education and discuss strategies to enhance universities’ role in the development of artificial intelligence innovation ecosystems. ASEFInnoLab featured 18 leading experts, academics and thought leaders from Asia and Europe to give presentations and engage in discussion with participants. Live sessions were facilitated by Dr Alex GRECH, Director of 3CL Foundation, and Stephen J HALL, Senior Lecturer, MSc IT&S Programme Coordinator, Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). You can browse the full programme and speakers’ invited here.
“The programme was thoughtfully designed, bringing in presenters from Asia and Europe, from academia and industry. The dynamic group of academics, business engagement managers, science park managers, research centre heads – who form different components of the innovation system – enriched our learning and perspectives of different universities and their unique funding and country landscape.” Quote from an ASEFInnoLab participant
The ASEFInnoLab programme concluded with an entire session dedicated to the participants’ presentation of their action plans. To tie everything together, participants gave an elevator pitch about their plans to get ahead of change. This exercise helped consolidate ideas, facilitate reflection on the intellectual journey, and provide footing for participants to take action and move forward.
“Thanks to the variety of insights from mentors and presenters, I believe, I have strengthened my faculty development strategy, added an action plan, and I have received proper keywords and tools to gain unnecessary support from the management.” Quote from an ASEFInnoLab participant
We hope that ASEFInnoLab participants will keep in touch, form a community of practice to keep exchanging ideas and look for allies for future plans.
“The most valuable aspect from this type of InnoLabs are the networks, and possibilities to expand the networks in other countries and other business sectors.” Quote from an ASEFInnoLab participant
Click here to read the full project report
ASEFEdu will be organising a second edition of ASEFInnoLab later this year. In case you are interested in joining, sign up for our newsletter for educational professionals to receive the open call for applications first hand.
+++