From multi-actor partnerships to innovation platforms: the case of Alianza Shire and Lab Shire

Abstract

Higher education needs to play a pivotal role in the implementation of the SDG's. For small island states, the implementation can play an even more crucial role. Small island states are subject to numerous threats due to their environmental, geographical, social and economic characteristics that lead to greater vulnerability. Multiple initiatives have been undertaken to build resilience to these threats, but the focus of these attempts is mostly externally oriented, rooted in international technical and logistical support and consultancy. However, internal capacity building for resilience of these small island states is of great importance as well, if not even more important, as the creation of a critical mass of local higher educated experts that can create contextually relevant and locally accepted solutions will highly contribute to the resilience of these states. Institutes for higher education in small island states need to take the responsibility to develop programs and networks to foster the development of a resilient and critical network of experts in multidisciplinary collaboration for inclusive sustainable development in small island states through education and research.