York University is collaborating with research partners across the African continent on a new international project that will explore how intellectual propery (IP) can support inclusive innovation.
Backed by a $743,000 grant from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), the three-year project is led by the University of Pretoria and supported by the Open AIR network, and is primarily based at the University of Ottawa and the University of Cape Town. York University will receive $167,000 to support its role in the collaboration.
Tesh Dagne
Titled "Catalyzing AI's potential in Africa through intellectual property innovation," the project will focus on making innovation systems more inclusive - especially for women and youth - and on strengthening intellectual property frameworks to support equitable development.
York University's involvement is led by co-principal investigator Tesh W. Dagne, Ontario Research Chair in Governing Artificial Intelligence and associate professor at York's Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies and Faculty of Graduate Studies. Dagne is a member of the Open AIR Research Caucus, and joins a team of African and international scholars from the Open Air network for this project.
York's role will include research coordination, capacity building and knowledge mobilization activities.
"This project offers a unique opportunity to rethink how intellectual property frameworks can support inclusive and responsible AI innovation in Africa," says Dagne. "By working collaboratively across institutions and regions, we aim to develop practical tools and policy insights that reflect local realities and global aspirations."
Collaborators will look at how IP laws can help guide the responsible use of AI in Africa. It will study how IP can support local innovators, help build fair business models and shape better policies. The team will create practical tools like guides and handbooks, and suggest new ways to manage data and innovation through IP reform.
The project is led by the University of Pretoria Professor Chijioke Okorie, who will work closely with Professor Caroline Ncube of the University of Cape Town and University of Ottawa Professor Jeremy de Beer, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Innovation and Intellectual Property Law.
The project also includes training for early-career researchers through activities like policy hackathons, and helping to build expertise in AI and IP. It focuses on locally-driven solutions and aims to shape policy discussions in Africa and on global platforms.
This story was originally featured in YFile, York University's community newsletter.
