Opening Access to Knowledge in Southern African Universities

摘要: The tipping point for African research and innovation will not be merely the ability to fully access use new abundance of global knowledge ideas but make an active significant contribution its creation. This study has identified key constraints in universities SADC Region builds on findings from two earlier studies SARUA, A Status Review ICT Universities (2006), Science Technology: Baseline Study Technology Higher Education (2007). Not only do authors show that presence Africa leading international peer reviewed journals is diminishing, just as importantly it also highlights obstacles prevent majority ever receiving adequate profile or readership within communities, let alone internationally. Many restrictions Africa, particularly Southern Region, revolve around restrictive copyright practices regulations, a lack Internet-based technologies, out-dated paradigms collection dissemination, creative effective government supported enabling environments higher education match vision leaders 21st century. The report offers series recommendations address these challenges, both at policy level with regard dissemination (e.g. ‘open platform’ region). These are sufficient magnitude paradigm shift required thinking, generation dissemination. Sufficient critical concerted action necessary order produce ‘break throughs’.