E-infrastructure
SomaliREN e-infrastructure pillar aimed to develop and provision a collection of integrated digital technologies starting from reliable high-speed connectivity for member institutions, open science repositories, and specialized web-based applications for research and education community. This is driven by SomaliREN’s long-term network vision of enabling a wholly interconnected research and education network in all Somali cities.
Communities
Communities of practice are an integral part of SomaliREN’s mission, serving as vital platforms for knowledge dissemination and creation within the organization. SomaliREN is dedicated to supporting the formation and activities of these communities, which actively engage in generating and distributing knowledge. These communities are closely intertwined with SomaliREN’s e-infrastructures and research and education resources, as the content they produce is published or stored in the Somali Research and Education Repository (SORER), an open-access, FAIR-compliant repository managed by SomaliREN for the Somali higher education and research institutions.
e-Content
SomaliREN prioritizes the development, sharing, and utilization of high-quality digital contents. We are committed to curating and providing access to a rich repository of digital resources, tailored to meet the diverse needs of our academic and research communities. This initiative aims to enhance the learning experience, foster academic excellence, and ensure that our members have the tools necessary to drive forward-thinking research and learning methodologies.
Innovation
Innovation is a cornerstone pillar at SomaliREN, where we actively promote and support the creation of new technologies, methodologies, and approaches in the field of education and research. Our goal is to cultivate an environment that encourages creative thinking and problem-solving, enabling our members to develop innovative solutions that address local and global challenges. By providing resources, mentorship, and a platform for experimentation, we aspire to be a catalyst for groundbreaking ideas and transformative projects that have a lasting impact on society and contribute to the advancement of knowled
Membership Expansion and Stakeholder Collaboration
Increase SomaliREN’s membership and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders.
Strategies: SomaliREN recognizes the importance of membership and stakeholders, making it essential to increase the organization’s members and strengthen the collaboration among stakeholders.
The following are strategies to realize Strategic Goal 1:
1. Review the membership criteria and encourage potential institutions to seek membership for SomaliREN, particularly research institutes.
2 Create an environment that allows members to make partner agreements and research collaborations among stakeholders.
3. Host networking events at the national and regional levels to strengthen the association among Stakeholders.
4. Ensure stakeholders’ satisfaction and participationin the strategic plan’s implementation.
Enhanced E-Infrastructure and Internet Connectivity
Strategies: SomaliREN’s primary objective is to connect member institutions, create networking through highspeed internet connectivity, and build e-infrastructure compatible with regional and international benchmarks. Strengthen the capacity and quality of e-infrastructure and provide high-quality and affordable access to internet connectivity to member institutions.
The following are strategies to realize Strategic Goal 2:
1. Establish regulations and policies to encourage the SomaliREN and its member institutions to build strong e-infrastructure.
2. Collaborate with Telecom and technology companies and relevant government bodies to provide satisfactory service to member institutions.
3. Reduce internet connectivity costs with adequate bandwidth appropriate for each member institution.
4. Look for alternative internet connectivity options that contribute to internet services’ sustainability.
5. Develop relevant content that meets member institutions’ needs, including research databases, online learning applications, video conferences, etc.
6. Train IT officers of member institutions in content and technology.
Strengthened Research and Innovation Capacity
Strategies: SomaliREN believes that research and innovation play an active role in addressing emerging issues and bringing knowledge and skills that contribute to the country’s advancement. Research is one of the elements of SomaliREN’s vision. Strengthen the capacity of research and innovation to address knowledge and skills gaps and bring desired change.
The following are strategies to realize Strategic Goal 3:
1. Empower the capacity of institutions, researchers, and IT engineers to bring research and innovation that contributes to solving current issues and sharing the prospective future of the country.
2. Look for research grant opportunities allowing member institutions and individuals to gain support and accreditation.
3. Encourage the government, private sector, and universities to establish a scheme of research grants for university students and researchers.
4. Create collaborations among stakeholders to carry out research activities jointly.
5. Seek research partnerships.
6. Ensure that published research aligns with the country’s demandgy.
Resources Mobilization and Sustainability
Mobilize adequate financial resources and ensuremsustainability. Strategies: Inadequate funding was one of
the significant challenges identified that influenced the implementation of the end strategic plan of SomaliREN.
Financially, the organization depends on membership fees that are not enough to cover the organization’s running costs.
The following are strategies to realize Strategic Goal 4:
1. Encourage membership financial commitments to SomaliREN and increase members.
2. Strengthen the capacity to develop a business plan
3. Establish a fundraising plan and organize fundraising events to receive donations.
4. Explore alternative sources of funding and ensuresustainability.
5. Create a mechanism for membership fee structure.
6. Initiate digital projects and look for potential partners to support initiated projects.
