Triple Helix - Inaugural Western Cape Regional Innovation Forum

18 Dec 2009
18 Dec 2009

The Western Cape region held an inaugural workshop for its Regional Innovation Forum. This Inaugural workshop took place on the 10th of December 2009, at the V&A Waterfront, Breakwater Hotel.

The establishment of this Regional forum resonates with the DST's National System of Innovation, which acknowledges the need to have strong provincial or Regional Innovation Systems aimed at yielding greater economic growth within regions. This forum will aim to strengthen collaboration between Universities, Research Institutions and the industry as well as government. Primarily it purpose will be:

  • Facilitate RIS strategic planning and regional policy development.
  • Promote networking amongst RIS stakeholders within the province.
  • Promote networking amongst RIS stakeholders within the province.
  • Coordinate Innovation programmes and initiatives within the province.
  • Create awareness on innovation in the province.
  • Act as a gateway of innovation programmes and initiative.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology was approached to act as an agency that will facilitate the establishment of the forum with support from the DST and the Office of the Premier. A diagram representing different role players in Regional Innovation Systems is given in Fig.1, outlining how different organizations in different sectors contribute at different levels to ensure a complete self sufficient Innovation system.

The workshop started with presentations from several speakers coming from diverse backgrounds within the field of innovation. What became clear from all discussions during the workshop was the importance of well established communication channels which will ensure that all activities within the region complement each other. It also became clear, that Research based institutions especially universities should start engaging on market/industry related research to create a concrete foundation for innovation. Another worrying factor that came out during the launch was the bureaucracy that often delays decisions within academia. To conclude the workshop, an interim Steering Committee, in which all Western Cape Universities together with industrial partners was nominated. This Committee will be responsible for mobilizing the Western Cape region for Innovation.