Participants to bring their luggage if going directly to the airport from the conference venue

The session will start with the Chair providing an overview of the research agenda proposed in the AfricaLics Thematic Report (Kruss et al 2023; https://africalics.org/thematic-chair-report/). The panel will present recent research addressing four research agenda topics: - Measuring progress and the impact of digital technologies and the fourth industrial revolution - STI measurement towards advancing the SDGs and understanding impact - Creating quality data sets - Empirically grounded research on innovation measurement in the informal sector

The Chair will start by briefly setting the scene. Members of the panel will then speak on the different topics listed below. Finally, the session will include an open discussion on excellence in research and international publishing.

The session will begin with the chair providing an overview of the UPCHAIN research case, focusing on changing practices, expansive learning, and participatory approaches to inclusive innovation. In the panel, researchers will present recent research from the UPCHAIN case, which cut across the themes of the AfricaLics Research Conference.

Dr. Angella Ndaka, International ICT Consultant, Ghana - Title: Seeing like the market: Unmasking the politics of AI and data-driven economies in Africa. With response from Prof. Geci Karuri-Sebina, Wits University, South Africa.

Chaired by Prof. Opeyemi Ayinde, Secretary General of NigeriaLics. Will include info on the host and location of the AfricaLics Conference 2026 and a brief vote of thanks by AfricaLics Secretary General, Dr. Ann Kingiri.