SAINe Thought Leaders
Innovation for Local Economic Development by Jeanette Morwane
Innovative cities or municipalities are essential for economic growth and development of countries, however social and environmental challenges related to city growth present serious threats to the full realization of economic growth they can contribute. This article aims to introduce the notion of ‘innovation ecosystem’ which can help in explaining the factors that shape innovation processes and that determine the extent to which problems related to city growth may be solved.
19Apr2012 | Saine | 1 comment | Continued
Innovation as developmental trigger to facilitate mitigation of poverty and deprivation in marginalised communities – By Dr. Harry Swart
The Africa Forum, a non-governmental organisation set up by and for ex-heads of state of countries in sub-Saharan Africa, is currently conducting a ground-breaking study into the causes of and potential solutions for marginalisation. The study has shown that about 6% of the approximately 1 billion people on the continent, or 60 million, are potentially marginalised (Africa Forum, 2010).
26Jul2011 | Saine | 2 comments | Continued
The problem with inventors by Gavin Symanowitz 14 – 28 June 2011
The other night, I attended a talk organized by the Institute of Inventors and Innovators (III), a non-profit trying to support inventors. The energetic and impressive Ravini Moodley chaired the talk, which was on the subject of Rapid Prototyping. There were 3 things that really stood out for me from the evening: 1) Spot the [...]
14Jun2011 | Saine | 7 comments | Continued
Innovations in the Service Industry
The COFISA review conference held on 23 March 2011 reinforced the impression that innovation is the (almost) exclusive domain of hard science and technology. In fact, most people, even those very closely related to innovations, sometimes have that type of perception. This view seems to clash the emerging knowledge economy. The knowledge worker is more [...]
11Apr2011 | Saine | 0 comments | Continued
The Innovation Grief Cycle
by Peter J. Jansen van Nieuwenhuizen Skopus Business Consultants The COFISA review conference on 23 March 2011 inspired a possible answer to the question: “Why do organizations find it so difficult to inculcate an innovation culture?” More specifically, why do South African organizations find it difficult to become truly innovative? Many organizations claim to be [...]
28Mar2011 | Saine | 8 comments | Continued
What Motivates Employees to Innovate?
by Freda Gray Could it be that encouraging employee innovation has more to do with an environment that allows for autonomy, mastery and realising a higher purpose and less to do with monetary rewards? Could it be that if you create the right environment, employees will generate and implement many worthwhile innovations? Creating a platform [...]
14Mar2011 | Saine | 5 comments | Continued
Moving towards an Innovation Marketplace Paradigm by Greg Z. Fainberg
Innovation can be defined as ‘the Implementation and commercialisation of new ideas that create value.’ Typically, the traditional models of innovation focus on establishing dedicated structures within organizations that are focussed on: Encouraging and surfacing ideas from across the company Refining those ideas that have potential Prototyping those ideas that have real merit and, Commercialising [...]
28Feb2011 | Saine | 1 comment | Continued
LESSONS FROM SOCIAL NETWORKS IN AFRICA AND CHINA TO ENHANCE INNOVATION
by Prof. Rene Pellisier Department of Business Management, University of South Africa Preamble I am aware that some, in reading this, may feel that I am nuts. I certainly am, but I believe that we are ignoring specific social patterns in our society that can bring huge benefit in terms of creativity and innovation. I [...]
31Jan2011 | Saine | 2 comments | Continued
Will they steal my big idea? By Gavin Symanowitz
So you’ve got a big idea. And now you’re trying to decide whether or not to approach that big company as a potential partner. On the one hand, working with this big company could be the boost you need to get the idea off the ground. On the other hand, the company might steal your [...]
17Jan2011 | Saine | 2 comments | Continued
Why is South Africa lagging behind emerging economies in terms of scientific productivity and quality?
Profile Vuyani Lingela is the Chief Director: International Research at the National Department of Science and Technology (DST. He was the Executive Director (Chief Director) at the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) in the DST, where he managed the NACI Secretariat and provided strategic direction and support to the NACI Council. He was the [...]
11Jan2011 | Saine | 0 comments | Continued
When should I approach that big company with my idea? by Gavin Symanowitz
So you’ve got a big idea. And now you’re trying to decide whether or not to approach that big company as a potential partner. On the one hand, working with this big company could be the boost you need to get the idea off the ground. On the other hand, the company might steal your [...]
3Jan2011 | Saine | 7 comments | Continued
ORGANISATIONAL RESTRUCTURING – AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INNOVATION? BY RUTH TEARLE
For many people, experiencing an organisational restructuring (and the retrenchments that often go with it), is like being in a horror movie. Retrenchment slowly kills off many friends and team mates. The survivors huddle together, wondering who will be next. Everything seems to get destroyed: Teams. Trust. Personal power. Self confidence. And all the of [...]
1Nov2010 | Saine | 5 comments | Continued
WHAT’S GOING WRONG WITH INNOVATION IN SOUTH AFRICA? by Jac Spies
Enjoying the prosperity of the given moment is great stuff. Knowing that current prosperity will not last very long in today’s fast changing world. We cannot foresee unexpected tsunamis, or notice the more subtle changing expectations of clients and stakeholders. We also know that leaders and companies who do not innovate into the future will [...]
18Oct2010 | Saine | 25 comments | Continued
