Research agenda
Ambrosoli Think Tank AI promotes independent, evidence-based and multidisciplinary research addressing Africa’s socio-economic and development challenges.
Research should connect academic knowledge, practical experience, institutional perspectives and policy priorities. The objective is to generate credible insights, encourage informed debate and contribute to practical solutions.
Five priority research areas
Economic Development
Research themes
- Economic growth and structural transformation
- Entrepreneurship and private-sector development
- Trade, investment and regional integration
- Industrialisation and value addition
- Employment, productivity and skills development
- Financial inclusion and access to capital
- SME growth and business competitiveness
- Africa’s position in the global economy
Expected outputs
Economic policy briefs, investment insights, business environment studies and development research papers.
Governance and Public Policy
Research themes
- Public-sector governance and institutional effectiveness
- Public financial management and accountability
- Public policy design and implementation
- Institutional reform and service delivery
- Decentralisation and local governance
- Transparency, accountability and citizen participation
- Regulatory frameworks and policy innovation
- Government digital transformation
Expected outputs
Governance assessments, policy briefs, institutional studies and recommendations for public-sector improvement.
Health and Education
Research themes
- Healthcare accessibility and affordability
- Health systems strengthening
- Health financing and sustainable service delivery
- Digital health and health innovation
- Education quality and equitable access
- Technical and vocational education
- Higher education and research capacity
- Workforce development and lifelong learning
Expected outputs
Health and education policy briefs, sector assessments and research reports.
Technology and Innovation
Research themes
- Artificial intelligence and digital transformation
- Africa’s digital economy
- Digital infrastructure and connectivity
- Innovation ecosystems and entrepreneurship
- Emerging technologies and their socio-economic impact
- Data governance and digital sovereignty
- Cybersecurity and digital trust
- Technology policy, regulation and responsible innovation
- Digital skills and future workforce readiness
Expected outputs
Technology policy papers, digital economy research, AI governance studies and innovation ecosystem reports.
Climate and Sustainability
Research themes
- Climate adaptation and resilience
- Renewable energy and energy access
- Sustainable agriculture and food security
- Environmental protection and natural resource management
- Green investment and climate finance
- Sustainable urban development
- Water security and environmental governance
- Circular economy and sustainable production
Expected outputs
Climate policy briefs, sustainability studies and environmental development recommendations.
Cross-cutting themes
- Gender equality and social inclusion
- Youth development and employment
- Regional integration and African cooperation
- Digital inclusion
- Poverty reduction and inequality
- Institutional capacity and human capital
- Sustainable development and resilience
Research methods
Depending on the research question, projects may use:
- Literature reviews and evidence synthesis
- Quantitative and statistical analysis
- Qualitative interviews and focus groups
- Surveys and field research
- Comparative country and policy analysis
- Case studies
- Stakeholder consultations
- Multidisciplinary research collaboration
Research methods must be appropriate to the question, transparent and proportionate to available evidence and resources.
Research quality and integrity
All research should:
- Clearly define the research question and scope.
- Distinguish facts, assumptions, interpretations and recommendations.
- Use credible and traceable sources.
- Disclose methodological limitations.
- Avoid fabricated data, quotations and references.
- Represent competing perspectives fairly.
- Protect confidential research participants and information.
- Undergo appropriate editorial and technical review before publication.
Evidence informs ideas. Ideas shape policy. Policy drives impact.