Innovation for Development (Inno4Dev)

Mandate:

Innovation for Development (INNO4DEV) was established by the third NACI Council in 2009 as a sub-committee of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI). Its task is to provide advice, through NACI, to government on how to utilize innovation to address social challenges and needs of all South Africans, and in particular the neglected grassroots communities.

Background:

NACI has since its establishment been aware of the importance of utilizing innovation for improving the quality of life of South Africans, particularly the developing and grassroots communities – i.e. those that were not fully enjoying the fruits of economic growth and democracy. South Africa has to manage a dual innovation system. On the one hand it has to promote innovation for international competitiveness. On the other hand it also has to utilize innovation for combating national development challenges such as poverty, educational deprivation, and unemployment among large sections of the population. The salience of the latter focus has increased sharply as a consequence of government’s renewed emphasis on social development. In response, NACI elevated the theme of innovation for development as a central focus area and identified as priority areas for further investigation:

• Assessment of existing policies for alleviating poverty;
• Evaluating international good practice models for development; and
• Developing community-based innovation systems through proper engagement with grassroots communities

Members:

The sub-committee comprises eight members who are also members of the NACI Council. Professor Francis Petersen is the Chairperson of this committee.

Persons and institutions involved in promoting innovation for development are invited to contact the NACI Secretariat.