As The DaVinci Institute marks two decades of purposeful co-creation, Satish Roopa, who has served on the council for many years, extends heartfelt congratulations to every individual who has contributed to this remarkable journey. The Institute stands as a beacon of innovation, transformation, and leadership in higher education.
Envisions The Future
Roopa said the next 20 years may be defined by continued courage to challenge convention, unwavering commitment to societal impact, and a deepened spirit of collaboration.
“One of the most significant achievements has been the institute’s ability to remain agile and future-focused while maintaining academic integrity and quality. The development of a learning ecosystem that places the student at the center, integrating business, innovation, and societal transformation, has made DaVinci a distinctive player in higher education,” stated Roopa about the uniqueness of DaVinci.
Quality Doctoral Contribution
He further elaborated on the successful accreditation and growth of DaVinci’s postgraduate programmes, particularly the doctoral offering, which stands out as a hallmark accomplishment.
Roopa said that the institute has evolved from a boutique academic provider into a respected institution with national relevance and growing international influence.
“I witnessed the maturation of its governance structures, the strengthening of its research capacity, and the deepening of its community engagement,” he stated.
Mode 2 Knowledge Production
According to Roopa, one of the most impactful developments was the refinement of its co-creation model, ensuring that students, industry, and academia interact constructively to solve real-world challenges.
“As a Council member, I contributed to strategic oversight and policy direction that helped enable this evolution,” stated Roopa on the evolution of DaVinci.
Challenges DaVinci Faced
Similarly, with many other institutions in South Africa, DaVinci navigated a complex regulatory environment, resource constraints, and the broader challenges of access and transformation. With Roopa’s experience, one major challenge for The DaVinci Institute was balancing rapid growth with the need to uphold academic standards.
He added that through focused governance, risk mitigation strategies, and an unwavering commitment to quality assurance, the DaVinci council then played a pivotal role in supporting leadership to navigate these challenges successfully.
“DaVinci has made a unique and meaningful contribution to doctoral education by offering an alternative that is both rigorous and responsive to real-world problems. Its doctoral programme empowers scholars to generate context-specific knowledge that is immediately applicable in their industries and communities,” stated Roopa.
This approach aligns well with South Africa’s need for transformative leadership and socially responsive research.
Message To Leadership And Students
To the leadership, remain bold in your vision, continue fostering innovation, and always uphold the values that define DaVinci’s identity, integrity, relevance, and transformation. To the students, embrace the co-creation journey with curiosity and purpose. You are not just earning a qualification; you are part of a movement shaping the future of Africa and beyond. Protect that privilege and use it to lead with compassion, insight, and impact.
Leave a Reply