Philip Hoekstra Provides Innovation Mentorship in Mozambique

The Strengthening Research and Innovation Management in SADC (SADC SRIM) is an initiative funded by the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) and implemented in partnership with the SADC Secretariat, SADC Member States, and the Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association (SARIMA). The main goal of the initiative is to strengthen Research and Innovation (R&I) Management activities in the SADC region through a variety of projects and activities, including an I&TT mentorship program.

The mentorship program aims to support and strengthen I&TT management functions at SADC-based research institutions by providing mechanisms for exchange of knowledge, sharing of ideas and best practices, collaborative learning, mentorship, and networking.

The Centre of University Extension and Innovation (CEUNI) of the Pedagogical University of Mozambique (Universidade Pedagogica), in collaboration with the Mozambican national Centre of Research & Development in Ethnobotany (CIDE), successfully applied to participate in the Program.

Philip presented a number of workshops and presentations to research managers and other stakeholders from UP faculties (Maputo and beyond). These included topics such intellectual property law basics, technology transfer basics, TT office functions and best practices, social innovation, innovation funding, traditional knowledge systems and genetic resources. The activities included meetings with key university stakeholders as well as a day visit to CIDE in Namaacha, 80km from Maputo. Here local plants are being researched for potential commercial applications, and innovative products are being developed and commercialised for the benefit of local communities.

It is hoped that this mentorship visit will only be the start of a long relationship between UCT, UPM, CEUNI and CIDE and that tangible outcomes will be achieved.