INTRODUCTION
The 2nd ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory on “The Universities’ Role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Ecosystems” (ASEFInnoLab2) is an opportunity for higher education managers to exchange good practices, co-create new ideas, and explore areas for collaboration among higher education institutions across Asia and Europe.
This 6-week programme facilitated discussions on strategies for enhancing participants’ universities’ role in the development of AI innovation ecosystems. In particular, the lab tackled the following two topics:
1 | Teaching and Entrepreneurship for AI Innovation Ecosystems
2 | Research and Technology Transfer in AI Innovation Ecosystems
TARGET GROUP
ASEFInnoLab2 was designed for managers and academics in higher education institutions across the 51 ASEM countries. Via an Open Call process, participants were selected with the assurance of inclusion and geographical balance within the cohort. To learn more about the professional background of participants, view the
KEY OBJECTIVES
EXPANDED KNOWLEDGE
Enhanced understanding of data and artificial innovation ecosystems, and universities’ role in 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.
STIMULATED INNOVATIVE IDEAS
Experts and thought leaders invited to speak, and peers in the cohort, all contributed to knowledge exchange toward developing ideas on how to improve innovation strategies and practices.
BUILT PEER SUPPORT NETWORKS
Created 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
The Lab was a 6-week engagement, which took place online from 4 November to 9 December 2021. Participants set aside approximately 3-4 hours per week to prepare for and participate in the sessions. The Lab consisted of 6 Pioneering Sessions and 5 Action Sessions.
PIONEERING SESSION | Facilitator Led | Mandatory Weekly Attendance
Synchronous online sessions were held every Thursday, from 08.00 to 10.00 GMT (morning in Europe, afternoon in Asia). Subject matter experts and university leaders in the field of AI and innovation ecosystems were engaged as expert speakers, providing valuable insights and sharing good practices with the cohort. Session recordings were made available to ensure that participants had a flexible and seamless learning experience.
ACTION SESSIONS | Mentor Led | Voltuntary Weekly Attendance
Separate from the Pioneering Session, the Action Sessions were live online sessions for small groups of 10 participants. This was set every Friday, at a time determined to be most convenient for members of the small group and their respective mentors. The Action Session was designed to better facilitate the sharing of ideas and the building of connections amongst participants.
SELF-PACE STUDY | on demand
The ASEF eLearning platform was accessible to participants. Resource materials accessible on the eLearning platform included academic papers, videos, and case studies, as well as fora and group discussions.
For a more detailed understanding of the programme, download the Programme Outline here.
KEY OUTCOMES
ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF AI INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
The lab helped participants gain a deeper understanding of higher education institutions’ role in AI innovation ecosystems, and expanded their knowledge of strategies that could improve their universities’ contribution to ecosystems.
ACTION PLANS TO GET AHEAD OF CHANGE
Participants developed their action plans for their home institutions that utilize the full potential of their university.
PEER SUPPORT NETWORK
Bi-lateral and multi-lateral connections were established, opening the door to stronger and more long-term partnerships. Research and partnerships along with industry knowledge and resources were and are shared within the network.
SUMMARY OF ACTION PLANS
Participants developed their Action Plan oriented toward the advancement of their universities’ role in AI Innovation Ecosystems. View the Summary of Action Plans below
To learn more about the takeaways from the project, hear from the participants themselves, watch the participants’ insights video here.
FEES AND CHARGES
ASEF is an intergovernmental not-for-profit organization. Therefore, ASEFInnoLab, among all other projects, is free of charge and no fees are collected from participants.
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSION
ASEF does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. Platforms, media, and documents are made accessible to all.
PARTNERS
Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Riga Business School
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)