Fostering thematic networks for impact with Accelerate
Accelerate is a pioneering programme designed to catalyse thematic networks. This project type is innovative in setup and governance, while also being inspiring and accessible to the VLIR-UOS community and the Higher Education Sector for Sustainable Development (HES4SD) at large. By leveraging the expertise within the VLIR-UOS network, Accelerate aims to strengthen Flemish and partner institutions, enhance academic and social impact, and foster meaningful exchanges with policymakers and experts.
• Duration: 32 months, comprising an 8-month inception phase followed by a 24-month implementation phase. The Accelerate projects are considered pilots, leading to the creation of thematic networks and communities of practice with the ambition of being sustained beyond 2027.
• Budget: €200,000
• Eligible countries: Benin, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cuba, DR Congo, Ecuador, Ethiopia, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Morocco, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Niger, Palestine, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Vietnam, Zimbabwe
• Focus: Accelerate focuses on three key themes identified for their critical importance across VLIR-UOS stakeholders: Accelerating Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Accelerating Uptake, Use and Impact; Accelerating Higher Education Management.
Why Accelerate Matters
Accelerate is pivotal in advancing thematic networks that are not only innovative in their setup and governance but also resonate deeply within the VLIR-UOS community and the Higher Education Sector for Sustainable Development (HES4SD). By fostering these networks, Accelerate aims to achieve several critical outcomes:
- Innovation and Accessibility: The projects supported by Accelerate are designed to pioneer new approaches in thematic network formation, making them accessible and inspiring to a broad audience within VLIR-UOS and beyond. This innovation ensures that the networks remain dynamic and relevant in addressing current and future challenges.
- Expertise Identification and Mobilisation: The programme seeks to identify, connect, deepen, and mobilise the expertise within the VLIR-UOS network. By leveraging this collective knowledge, Accelerate strengthens both Flemish and partner institutions, enhancing their capacity to tackle complex societal issues through collaborative efforts.
- Enhanced Academic and Social Impact: Through exchanges with policymakers and experts, Accelerate projects aim to translate academic insights into tangible policy developments and societal impacts. This bridge between research and practice enhances the relevance and effectiveness of academic contributions, fostering sustainable development on a global scale.