The Role of Public Policies Supporting Universities as A Driver of Responsible Research and Innovation: The Case of Haiti

This paper asks how can public policies in Haiti turn universities into effective levers for responsible research and innovation, given documented shortcomings in the francophone literature (chronic underfunding, weak research valorization, governance gaps)? The study uses a qualitative approach combining literature review, semi-structured interviews with university actors and policymakers, and comparative case analysis of francophone best practices. Results deliver a mapping of current policies, highlight structural barriers including insufficient funding, fragmented governance, lack of incentives for university–industry–society partnerships and reveal opportunities such as better valorization of theses and strengthened multi-stakeholder collaboration. The paper concludes with policy recommendations: establish legal frameworks for research valorization, create fiscal and institutional incentives for partnerships, invest in capacity building and targeted research funding to embed responsible research and innovation within Haitian universities’ missions.