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Summer Newsletter - As the sun beats down on the cobbled old streets of Maastricht, we bring you our third newsletter of 2019! - Over the next few months, we’ll be co-hosting an innovation and development conference in Côte d’Ivoire, before heading to Ghana for an international forum on waste management. Then later in the year at home in Maastricht, we'll be organising our latest Master's Open Day. - Through our research and training we explore the push and pull of international development: focusing on innovation through science and entrepreneurship (#SDG9) and governance through public policy analysis (#SDG16). |
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Upcoming Events - On 19-20 September 2019, we’ll co-host a workshop in Austria entitled ‘The future of industrial work: New pathways and policies of structural transformation?’ Partners will include representatives from the United Nations Industrial Development Organization and the UK-led Global Poverty and Inequality Dynamics Research Network (#SDG9). - On 8-9 October 2019, we'll co-organise a conference in Côte d’Ivoire on Model-based Evidence on Innovation and DEvelopment. This year's MEIDE conference will focus on organisational aspects related to innovation, especially youth and women in science, research and entrepreneurship (#SDG9). - On 17 October 2019, we'll co-lead an interactive forum in Ghana. The event will showcase innovative solutions for inclusive and sustainable urban environments, with a focus on efficient municipal solid waste management. Partners will include the Worldwide Universities Network and the Institute for Environment and Sanitation Studies at the University of Ghana (#SDG12). |
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Latest News - At the latest UN Forum in New York on Science Technology and Innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals, 15-16 May 2019, we organised a side event on "STI Policies for the SDGs", gathering delegates from international organisations, NGOs accredited to the UN system, as well as scientists, business people and innovators (#SDG9). - At the Master’s Closing Ceremony in Maastricht, 13 June 2019, our Deputy-Director Neil Foster-McGregor told departing students: “When you get into positions where you are a decision maker and where you have the opportunity to change things – whether that be in an international organisation, a national government, an NGO or a private firm – be bold and be courageous in your decision making” (#SDG4). - Presenting the latest European Innovation Scoreboard in Brussels, 17 June 2019, European Commissioners Bienkowska and Moedas said, “innovation is changing the world we live in... From tracking emissions with satellites to saving lives on the road with high-tech safety features.” Compiled here in Maastricht, results show the EU overtaking the USA for the first time, but with China catching up fast (#SDG9). |
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Recent Publications - Do social grants improve food security in South Africa? Do public and private transfers produce different outcomes? A new article asks whether the source of income matters in achieving food security (#SDG1). - How do product innovations affect employment across sub-Saharan Africa? A new article takes data from the Enterprise Survey and Innovation Follow-Up Survey, and finds product innovations have a positive impact on total employment (#SDG9). - From Dutch villages to Chinese cities, the 'Circular Economy' shares common characteristics worldwide such as tailored services and direct customer contact. But could this chain be broken by control-freak manufacturers and the rising cost of spare parts? A new article weighs up the challenges in certain European and Asian countries (#SDG12). |
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Application Deadlines - Apply by 15 July 2019 for our Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development (MPP). This one-year double-degree programme taught entirely in English is the fruit of a long-term partnership between Maastricht University and United Nations University. (#SDG4). - Apply by 15 August 2019 for our autumn course on Evidence-Based Policy Research Methods (EPRM). Filling the gap between a Master’s and the start of a research project, this 14-week programme targets policymakers and researchers who want to sharpen their skills and outputs. (#SDG8). |
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Alumni Activities - Nostalgia, networks and inspiration - join us for all this and more at our next annual Alumni Day in Maastricht, 7 September 2019. "Worldwide Inspiring Stories of our Alumni" is the theme of this year's event, which will feature a number of successful alumni from the worlds of business and politics followed by food, drinks and music. - Register now either via e-mail or the Alumni Portal. NB, if you register via the portal, you'll be able to see who else will be attending. If you don't yet have a portal account but would like to open one, please contact UM via e-mail. |
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Multimedia - See our recent posts on the UN chief's visit to Aachen, our joint event with UNU-FLORES at this year's Global Festival of Action for the SDGs, as well as various event summaries from Colombia, Malta and the USA (#SDG16). - Until next time, in early October, please check our social media accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube – where you can find new trailers for our Master's programme, including specialisations on the Governance of Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship & Public Policy. - You can also stay up-to-date on all our major publications via our monthly ‘First Impressions’ roundup. |
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