1The French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development is celebrating its 75^th anniversary. This age is a subject of debate, essentially because of the changes in the different structures which, once aggregated, eventually gave birth to this institution in its present form and name. This institution, after several decades, facilitated the gestation and development of applied research in the countries of French-speaking sub-Saharan Africa. Some of our young and brilliant researchers are probably unaware how much our national research policies owe to the Institute. While its reputation, which remained unrivalled for a long time, is now mitigated among our scientific communities or challenged by new entrants whose policy and resources have definitely instilled competition in an environment which is increasingly open to market forces, one of the merits of IRD is to have survived the rise to independence of African countries.

2The access of new States to international sovereignty, with the hopes and excesses inherent in such shifts, suggested that the powers that replaced those of the former metropolitan country would depart from this type of research organisation and management, as it might be reminiscent of the harsh colonial rule. This was not the case. Instead, the Institute adapted to the new political context in the form of a structure assigning a primary objective to research: to serve the community. This social utility is undoubtedly the reason behind IRD’s exceptional stability and surprising longevity.

3In fact, we no longer have a choice. Research has little to do with its initial idea, designed as an organisation made up of researchers enjoying privileges and immunities, in areas protected from influence of all kinds, from public authorities and lobby groups alike. We can no longer do without a debate on the profitability and effectiveness of the investments made in research. These new requirements are backed by ethical principles and considerations, as well as the social utility of researchers, their findings, the inventions they develop and the commercialisation of this entire intellectual production activity. The research policy only draws its legitimacy from its social utility. It is within this framework that IRD carries out its activities.

4I did not just write this preface out of friendship. I personally participated in a whole range of research activities, which I coordinated as part of teams set up with IRD, notably via UMMISCO, an International Joint Unit under the authority of seven academic institutions in France, Morocco, Senegal, Cameroon and Vietnam. Collaborative work between French and Senegalese researchers on this occasion allowed us to envisage new research avenues, more in keeping with public policies. This gave us great satisfaction, notably the training of a scientific elite capable of driving national research policies. This collaboration between IRD and the research laboratories of Senegalese universities resulted in a number of doctoral thesis defences. This was achieved thanks to the international institutional framework provided by such an organisation, as well as the technical platform making it possible to conduct research in accordance with global standards.

5A lot has been done and a lot is being done by IRD. The breadth and depth of the Institute’s involvement, reflected in its website, do not show all the social ties established within young African and French research communities. The demonstration effect, combined with scientific collegiality, allowed us to introduce rules and standards within our academic and scientific domains; as a result, various higher education and research systems were integrated, to which the same assessment criteria were applied. It is pleasing to note that academics, researchers and other stakeholders of the education, research and innovation system agreed to share the same repositories as part of their activities, and to encourage the assessment of the pertinence, regularity, consistency, quality and effectiveness of the research conducted and the results obtained.

6This is what we opted to do in Senegal. It is a civilised form of development as it promotes sustainable development, respect for human rights and good governance. It is a costly, difficult and unprecedented development paradigm. But it is the only way to build a society with a strong scientific and technological culture. And it is the price to be paid so that the only development route left for Africa is not a cul-de-sac, an opportunity to invoke Africa’s so-called “refusal to develop” as an excuse.

7The initiatives taken by IRD and African research centres and structures to fill the knowledge gap between developed and developing countries are important. I am convinced that Africans, based on their views and interests, should propose new definitions for a number of indicators used to rank countries. More importantly, I am convinced that our political commitment to the broad dissemination of knowledge will ensure accelerated development. Disseminating knowledge and skills is not only instrumental in the integration into the knowledge-based economy and the creation of a positive image for Africa; it is above all essential for the development of an African perspective based on the interests of the continent and Africa’s perception of its own future, in particular its relationships with the rest of the world.

8In fact, scientific discoveries and advances, along with their technological applications, are the driving force of economic growth. The role of science, technology and innovation in the transformation process, sustainable economic development and poverty alleviation is recognised and accepted. The countries that have emerged and reached a level of growth whereby they have become role models have gone through this arduous process of scientific and technological knowledge acquisition. We have no other option. There is no alternative. We must therefore continue to work together to bring about cost-effective and useful science, capable of taking practical account of the population’s aspirations and laying the foundations of sustainable economic growth.

9The book published by IRD for its 75^th anniversary takes us into the heart of all these concerns which feature strongly in Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). By working towards fairer societies; considering ways to deal with uncertainties, risks and vulnerabilities; establishing a sustainable form of agriculture guaranteeing food security; stabilising the dynamics of ecosystems and biodiversity conservation; and sharing knowledge, we find ourselves promoting useful and accessible science. The topics covered reflect the communities’ major concerns by linking theoretical analyses to empirical reality with a view to better emphasising the substance of the lessons learned from this dual approach, which delves into major development issues.

10This is one of the merits of IRD, whose clearly stated ambition for Senegal, as part of the Senegal UMMISCO team, is to address social and environmental issues, by developing mathematical and computer modelling methods and tools which create increased awareness and understanding of the emerging underlying dynamics so as to address the concerns of local players and state representatives in the West African sub-region.

11This is the only way for us to cope and avoid further economic misfortunes leading to shortcomings and multifaceted crises. We will find salvation in the implementation of quality programmes for the development of human capital, capable of promoting and meeting development goals. The economic and social development of any nation requires the implementation of an effective higher education, scientific, technological research and innovation system.

12These have been the common threads of higher education, research and innovation reforms over the past five years, with the support of our partners, first and foremost IRD, to whom I wish a happy anniversary. Long may we continue to benefit from its institutional guidance and scientific infrastructures and equipment.