WHAT WAS #ASEFINNOLAB1 ABOUT?
The 1st ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab1) titled Universities’ Role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Ecosystems provided an opportunity for participants to exchange good practices, co-create new ideas and explore areas for collaboration among their institutions. ASEFInnoLab1 was an 8-week online project that brought together university managers, administrators and academics to discuss strategies to enhance their role in the development of artificial intelligence 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
WHO PARTICIPATED?
ASEFInnoLab1 was designed for managers and academics from higher education institutions across the 51 ASEM countries. After a competitive selection process, 28 participants were selected, representing 22 ASEM countries.
To learn more about the professional background of participants, view the Participants Booklet here.
WHAT WERE THE OBJECTIVES?
ASEFInnoLab1 aimed to:
EXPAND KNOWLEDGE
Enhance the understanding of data and artificial innovation ecosystems and universities’ role in advancing them. The project specifically looked at teaching and skill-building for AI innovation ecosystems and advancing research and technology transfer of universities in AI innovation ecosystems.
STIMULATE INNOVATIVE IDEAS
exchange knowledge to develop ideas on how to improve innovation strategies and practices.
BUILD PEER SUPPORT NETWORKS
Create an Asia-Europe platform for practitioners to exchange good practices and promote collaboration for innovation in digitalisation and sustainable development in Asia and Europe.
WHAT WAS THE PROJECT DESIGN?
The Lab was an 8-week engagement which required participants to set aside approximately 4 hours every week to prepare for and participate in the sessions.
A total of 17 experts spoke at the ASEFInnoLab to share insights on AI Innovation and address questions from the participants. To watch the recording of the presentations given by experts, click here. The Lab consisted of Synchronous and Asynchronous Activities:
SYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITIES
Weekly synchronous sessions led by facilitators were held for real-time conversation with subject matter experts and university leaders. These sessions provided a facilitated space for collaborative work with peers.
ASYNCHRONOUS ACTIVITIES
Self-paced study elements such as readings, videos, and case studies, were made available on the ASEF eLearning platform. This included collaborative learning elements for group exercises tailored to the challenges that participants decided to work on.
Throughout the lab, the following topics were discussed:
Week1 | Artificial Intelligence, What It Is, What It Is Not
Week2 | Universities’ Role in Innovation Ecosystems
Week3 | Governing AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week4 | Teaching and Skill Needs of AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week5 | Advancing Student Entrepreneurship in the AI Age
Week6 | Research and Industry Relations in AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week7 | Technology Transfer to Businesses in AI Innovation Ecosystems
Week8 | Wrap up, Presentation of Action Plans of Participants
To gain a better understanding, view the ASEFInnoLab1 Programme Here.
WHAT WERE THE KEY OUTCOMES?
The lab supported the participants in the development of their own Action Plans. The Action Plans respond to the needs and aspirations of the participant’s institution. Explore the ideas and plans of ASEFInnoLab1 participants, view the Summary of Action Plans below:
Other outcomes of the ASEFInnoLab1 include:
ENHANCED UNDERSTANDING OF AI INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
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.
PEER SUPPORT NETWORK
Bilateral and multilateral 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.
PERCEPTION SURVEY: ASEM UNIVERSITIES ROLE IN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS
ASEF conducted a survey to understand the perception of managers and academics from higher education institutions on AI Innovation Ecosystems. The survey garnered a total of 295 respondents from 33 ASEM Countries.
In summary, the survey brings to light the perceived notion that (1) there is a lack of standalone AI strategies at universities, (2) the Universities’ main role in AI Innovation Ecosystems should be to provide relevant skills for the future workforce, (3) the main challenge to building an AI Innovation ecosystem in Asia is the lack of financial resources, whereas in Europe it is the lack of strategy, (4) rectors and vice-rectors are perceived to take the lead in developing AI innovation ecosystems in Europe, while academics and teachers are taking the lead in Asia, (5) the USA is perceived to be the global leader in AI Innovation Ecosystems, closely followed by China, Japan and Europe. Learn more about perceptions across Asia and Europe, view the Perception Survey below:
PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK
Feedback from participants showed a 100% positive response in terms of the success of ASEFInnoLab1 in stimulating new ideas, inspiring participants to practice their Action Plans, and providing a unique platform for knowledge exchange.
PARTNERS
Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
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