COFISA, (Cooperation Framework on Innovation Systems between Finland and South Africa), launched an Innovation Systems Leadership Programme as part of its objective of assisting the Department of Science and Technology in improving the South African National System of Innovation (SANSI). The main purpose of the programme is to create capacity in the South African National System of Innovation (SANSI) and to support the effective co-operation between leaders from government, academia, and the private sector in order to stimulate local innovation.
COFISA conducted a call for nominations to select 20 candidates in September 2008. Candidates were sought from the government sector, academic sector as well as the private sector. The focus was on individuals involved in management, leadership or specialist positions who may add significant and lasting impact on innovation in their respective fields. Twenty candidates were selected in October 2008 and their training commenced in November 2008 and lasted till February 2009.
The training involved being presented with the insights, and advice, of Finnish experts on Finnish Innovation Systems and on how Finland as a country has managed to develop as one of the world’s leading innovation communities. The second part of the programme investigated the current state of the South African National System of Innovation (SANSI) and developing plans on how it may be improved.
On 4 February 2009, the training was completed and participants were awarded their certificates. Candidates agree that the goal now is “to continue building networks and fostering innovation within our organizations, as this will help in assisting national government to improve the research and development output of private companies, and subsequently increase buy-in and commitment towards innovation.” The aim is to help companies, research organizations, and the public sector to see that innovation and competitiveness are vitally important concepts in order for South Africa to be recognized globally, and to add value globally.
Jeanette Morwane, Manager of the ACTIVATOR Programme at The Innovation Hub, was one of the selected candidates. ACTIVATOR is playing a key role in stimulating collaboration among triple-helix stakeholders - (government, academia and private sector) - with the aim to achieve economic growth in South Africa.
“The training has added a lot of value on how I will continue implementing the ACTIVATOR programme. I have gained insights into leading practices on innovation, as well as skills on managing innovation systems. Most importantly, I gained an opportunity to build networks with national and international innovation role players”.
For more information contact Jeanette Morwane at
jmorwane@theinnovationhub.com
