On 12 May, i4Policy had the opportunity to pilot a new approach to applied learning by integrating our online MOOC series (www.learn.ecosystem.build) into the Masters-level ECON 5251: Economic Setting of Development course at the esteemed American University in Cairo (AUC), while Erik Stam from Utrecht University and our colleagues, Tim Gelissen and Aniya Hamilton, joined the course as guest lecturers at the invitation of Ismaeel Tharwat. The collaboration brought together academic and practitioner perspectives to offer AUC students a well-rounded, practical introduction to entrepreneurial ecosystem development.
Through an engaging online session, Tim and Aniya guided these future leaders through a hands-on policy cycle workshop, utilizing our ADDIS methodology – a decision-thinking process crafted to build inclusive and participatory policy initiatives. As part of the programme commitment, students had to complete all 6 of the i4Policy online learning modules available on learn.ecosystem.build.
Student feedback reflected strong engagement with the practical learning format, with one participant noting the workshop was “very enjoyable, engaging, and fruitful.” The session created space for thoughtful exchange with aspiring PhD-candidates, economists, and data scientists. The beauty in these exchanges lies in the seeds being planted. As the session came to a close, the i4Policy team and students all joked that in the near future the masters students might be the ones championing policy change in their home countries.
At i4Policy, we’re continuing to test ways to bridge academic theory with practical policy-making experiences. We’re grateful to our partners at Utrecht University and AUC for their collaboration on this pilot and look forward to further co-developing learning experiences that equip students with the tools and mindsets to shape inclusive policy.
If you’re interested in exploring a customised programme for your institution, please contact Belisa Rodrigues (belisa@i4policy.org), Tim Gelissen (tim@i4policy.org) or Prof Erik Stan (e.stam@uu.nl)
Also see attached flyer for more information.
Let’s collaborate to inspire and equip the policy leaders of tomorrow, today!
More about AUC:
Located in Cairo, the American University in Cairo (AUC) is a leading English-language, American-accredited institution of higher education and center of intellectual, social and cultural life of the Arab world.
