INTRODUCTION
What is #ASEFInnoLab about?
The ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab) titled Universities’ Role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Ecosystems provides opportunity for participants to exchange good practices, co-create new ideas and explore areas for collaboration among their institutions. This first ASEFInnoLab is an 8-week long online project, that brings together university managers, administrators and academics to discuss strategies to enhance their role in the development of artificial intelligence innovation ecosystems. In particular, it will tackle the following two topics:
1 | Teaching and Entrepreneurship for AI Innovation Ecosystems
2 | Research and Technology Transfer in AI Innovation Ecosystems
KEY OBJECTIVES
What are the main objectives of #ASEFInnoLab?
The project aims to:
EXPAND KNOWLEDGE
Enhanced understanding of data and artificial innovation ecosystems, and universities role is advancing them. The project specifically looks at teaching and skill building for AI innovation ecosystems, and advancing research and technology transfer of universities in AI innovation ecosystems.
STIMULATE INNOVATIVE IDEAS
Through learning from experts and peers, higher education managers should be able to think about innovate and actionable ideas on how to improve innovation strategies and practices in their institutions.
BUILD PEER SUPPORT NETWORKS
Create an Asia-Europe platform of practitioners to exchange good practices and promote collaboration in innovation for digitalisation and sustainable development in Asia and Europe.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
What topics will be discussed and how?
The Lab will be organised entirely virtual between 25 March – 13 May 2021. It is an 8-week engagement and requires participants to set aside approximately 4 hours every week to prepare for and participate in the sessions. The Lab consists of
- Synchronous activities: Live sessions will be organised each week, allowing for real-time conversation with renowned subject matter experts, university leaders in the field of AI and innovation ecosystems and collaborative work with peers.
- Asynchronous activities: The learning journey includes self-paced study elements such as readings, videos, case studies, with collaborative learning elements such as live online presentations, group exercises, tailored to the challenges that participants define to work on.
The following topics will be discussed:
Week1: Artificial Intelligence, What It Is, What It Is Not
Week2: Universities’ Role in Innovation Ecosystems
Week3: Governing AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week4: Teaching and Skill Needs of AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week5: Advancing Student Entrepreneurship in the AI Age
Week6: Research and Industry Relations in AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week7: Technology Transfer to Businesses in AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week8: Wrap up, Presentation of Action Plans of Participants
To gain a better understanding, vie the ASEFInnoLab1 Programme Here.
KEY OUTCOMES
How do participants benefit from #ASEFInnoLab?
Participants will complete the training with a key combination of knowledge, practical solutions and new networks which can advance their work in driving innovation. Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will have:
Enhanced understanding of AI innovation ecosystems
The lab will help participants to understand the role of higher education institutions in AI innovation ecosystems and expand their knowledge on different strategies to boost their universities’ contribution to ecosystems.
Action plans to get ahead of change
Participants will develop their own action plans to enhance existing strategies and practices at their home institutions to unlock the full potential of their own university.
Peer support network
We fully expect new bi-lateral and multi-lateral partnerships emerging among the 25 participants from different countries across Asia and Europe.
Opportunity to co-design projects with Fudan University
Two participants of ASEFInnoLab will have the opportunity to co-design and launch a joint project with Fudan University, funding will be provided to conduct exchanges. Selected participants will receive financial support to conduct study visits at Fudan University and arrange face-to-face meetings to set the project forth and secure further funding from other donors.
TARGET GROUP
Who is #ASEFInnoLab designed for?
We envision about 25 participants from among the 51 ASEM countries to join the ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory, who meet the following criteria:
- Managers, administrators or academics in tertiary higher education institutions in charge of initiatives related to the ASEFInnoLab1 topics
- Citizens of any of the 51 ASEM partner countries
- Excellent command of English (written and verbal)
Participants has been selected by an Open Call for Application, that closed on 12 March 2021. The screening process ensured a non-discriminative approach assuring a balanced geographic representation, gender balance and fair access to the opportunity for all.
WHEN & WHERE
25 March – 13 May 2021 , online
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH
Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
COSTS
There is no registration or participation fee.
ACCESSIBILITY
ASEFInnoLab is accessible to all participants. The organisers do not discriminate any applicant or participant on the basis of his or her race, national origin (ancestry), colour, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, disability, religion (creed), marital status, or age.
