Igniting conversations that nurture equitable collaboration and cocreation

In 1776, Adam Smith, the famous Scottish economist acknowledged that establishment of trade routes and mobility of people in general was bound to benefit everyone. Ideally it would equally benefit the local inhabitants and similarly those that were coming through. Unfortunately, it was never an equitable scenario as the interests of the locals were overrun by the mighty and powerful, creating what can only be termed multipolarity. In his humble way, Smith predicted that with time, societies and humanity in general would find a balance in which equitable partnerships would thrive. The signs are evident now as nations are finding common ground through bilateral and multilateral agreements. In research and higher education, the partnerships have been driven by the interests of the funder all along. Africa has sparingly experienced Africa led and Africa focused pursuits. This has skewed developments and innovations in general having failed to take cognisance of local knowledge and way of being. From a STINT perspective, responsible collaboration and equitable partnerships are most desirable hence it will be my task to engage in conversations that build and offer opportunities for cocreation in research and higher education.