WHAT WAS #ASEFINNOLAB2 ABOUT?
The 2nd ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab2) on “The Universities’ Role in Artificial Intelligence (AI) Innovation Ecosystems” is an opportunity for higher education managers to exchange good practices, co-create new ideas, and explore areas for collaboration among higher education institutions across Asia and Europe.
This 6-week programme facilitated discussions on strategies for enhancing the participants’ university’s role in the development of AI 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?
ASEFInnoLab2 was designed for managers and academics from higher education institutions across the 51 ASEM countries. The project brought together 52 participants, representing 22 ASEM countries. Learn more about the participants, view the ASEFInnoLab2 Participants Booklet here.
WHAT WERE THE OBJECTIVES?
ASEFInnoLab2 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 a 6-week engagement, which took place online from 4 November to 9 December 2021. Participants set aside approximately 3-4 hours per week to prepare for and participate in the sessions. The Lab consisted of 6 Pioneering Sessions and 5 Action Sessions.
A total of 10 experts spoke through the lab to share insights on AI Innovation and address questions from the participants. To watch the recording of the presentations given by experts, click here.
PIONEERING SESSION | Facilitator Led | Mandatory Weekly Attendance
Synchronous online sessions were held every Thursday, from 08.00 to 10.00 GMT (morning in Europe, afternoon in Asia). Subject matter experts and university leaders in the field of AI and innovation ecosystems were engaged as expert speakers, providing valuable insights and sharing good practices with the cohort. Session recordings were made available to ensure that participants had a flexible and seamless learning experience.
ACTION SESSIONS | Mentor Led | Voluntary Weekly Attendance
Separate from the Pioneering Session, the Action Sessions were live online sessions for small groups of 10 participants. This was set every Friday, at a time determined to be most convenient for members of the small group and their respective mentors. The Action Session was designed to better facilitate the sharing of ideas and the building of connections amongst participants.
SELF-PACE STUDY | On Demand
The ASEF eLearning platform was accessible to participants. Resource materials accessible on the eLearning platform included academic papers, videos, and case studies, as well as fora and group discussions.
For a more detailed understanding of the programme, download the Programme Outline here.
WHAT WERE THE KEY OUTCOMES?
The lab supported the participants in the development of their Action Plan. This Action Plan responds to the needs and aspirations of the participant’s institution. Explore the ideas and plans of ASEFInnoLab2 participants, view the Action Plan below:
Other outcomes of the ASEFInnoLab2 include:
ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF THE AI INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
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
Bi-lateral and multi-lateral 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.
PARTICIPANTS FEEDBACK
To learn more about the takeaways from the project, hear from the participants themselves, and watch the participants’ insights video here.
Prof. SHEN Yi, from Fudan University, China, emphasised the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and Technology in society and highlights the importance of multilateral platforms such as ASEFInnoLab.
PARTNERS
Fudan University, Shanghai, People’s Republic of China
Riga Business School
Association of Pacific Rim Universities (APRU)
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