What if South Africa became the next global innovation hub? What if, instead of importing ideas, we exported groundbreaking solutions to the world? The Smarter Edge: A Tale of National Innovation Systems – Innovation in South Africa (2005-20020), a book authored by tt100 Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The DaVinci Institute, Professor Benjamin Anderson, and edited by Cara Bouwer, explores this bold vision. This thought-provoking book argues that not only is this future possible, but it is also essential. By examining South Africa’s innovation landscape, its successes, challenges, and untapped potential; it makes a compelling case for a future where African ideas take centre stage on the global stage.
The Smarter Edge is the fourth edition of the original book first developed in 2000. It was created to showcase groundbreaking innovations in South Africa from that period and beyond. Funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSI), this book is a must-read for any business executive, academic, entrepreneur, student, or just anyone with a passion for innovation and progress.
Challenges in embracing Innovation
According to a report by The Growth Lab at Harvard University, the causes of slow growth and persistent exclusion within South Africa are multifaceted and complex. It starts by laying out the unavoidable conclusion that the economy is not delivering the shared prosperity that South Africans desire and deserve.
Compounding this is the digital divide between urban and rural areas, as many rural communities lack access to reliable internet, hindering their participation in the digital economy. Bridging this gap is essential for an inclusive digital transformation. Collectively, these challenges require South African businesses to navigate complex dynamics to successfully foster innovation.
“I believe the biggest challenge society still faces globally is that innovation is largely left to its own devices. It relies on the energy and determination of individuals or groups to develop something new, often for different purposes, including financial gain,” Prof Anderson observed.
A Call for a Bold New Approach to Innovation
In The Smarter Edge, Professor Anderson presents a compelling argument for fostering an innovation-driven society. He challenges us to rethink the way we support and celebrate innovators, moving away from outdated economic models that prioritise financial gains over groundbreaking ideas.
He writes, “There has never been a more important time to have an open and honest discussion about building a society that supports progressive ideas and innovation in all its forms. Rather than tearing down the dreamers, we need to build them up.”
He continues, “Rather than pushing for financial glory, let’s celebrate ideas. Rather than looking to the big, established economies, let’s look to Africa! With the advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Protocol on Intellectual Property Rights in late 2023, we are seeing concrete steps being taken to support intra-African trade and promote innovation on our continent. This is an important and positive step, opening the door to a potential market of 1.3 billion people across 54 countries.”
Professor Anderson further emphasises, “The AfCFTA journey, which began back in 2012 and has been advancing over much of the timeline covered in this book, could mark a turning point in South Africa’s innovation story. South Africa has much to share with our AfCFTA partners, based on our legacy of innovation and the lessons we’ve learned along the way about both pitfalls and potentialities.”
This statement underscores a core theme of the book: the importance of cultivating an ecosystem where innovators are empowered to thrive, supported by policies that enable them to transform ideas into tangible solutions.
What to Expect from The Smarter Edge
At 133 pages, The Smarter Edge is filled with insightful discussions on South Africa’s innovation landscape, offering readers a comprehensive exploration of the policies, frameworks, and case studies that have shaped the country’s technological advancements between 2005 and 2020.
This book tells the story of South Africa’s quest to innovate, highlighting the breakthrough technological applications that have shaped our country during this period and the challenges we now face in developing a strong, sustainable approach to continuous innovative excellence. Following three previous books in the Edge series and sponsored by the Department of Science and Innovation, The Smarter Edge reflects the current international debate on idea-makers and the institutions that support them, as well as the commercialisation of intellectual property. In positioning South Africa’s innovation efforts on the global stage, the book looks beyond our borders, examining what countries like South Korea, Malaysia, and Canada are doing to support their innovators. The authors draw parallels, identify gaps, and attempt to distinguish the approaches that succeed from those that falter. They ask tough questions of the entire innovation ecosystem in South Africa—from entrepreneurs and funders to universities, accelerators, the private sector, and, of course, government.
Some of the key topics covered in the book include:
- National Innovation Systems – A deep dive into the structures and policies that facilitate (or hinder) innovation in South Africa.
- ISO Global Standards – Understanding how international standards impact local technological advancements and industry regulations.
- The TIPS Managerial Framework – An introduction to TIPS and its significance in guiding effective innovation management.
- Spotlights on Innovation Successes – Examples and interviews with innovators who have made a lasting impact in South Africa and beyond.
Beyond these core topics, the book provides a nuanced analysis of the challenges that continue to hinder innovation in South Africa, from funding gaps to bureaucratic red tape and a lack of collaboration among key stakeholders.
South Africa’s Place in the Global Innovation Arena
One of the standout elements of The Smarter Edge is its global perspective. While the book primarily focuses on South Africa, it draws valuable insights from countries like South Korea, Malaysia, and Canada; nations that have successfully built strong innovation ecosystems. By examining these international models, Professor Anderson and his team identify strategies that South Africa can adopt and adapt to its unique context.
The book also raises critical questions: Are we doing enough to commercialise intellectual property? How can we better integrate innovation into our educational institutions? What role should the government and the private sector play in fostering a thriving innovation culture? The answers to these questions could shape the future of South Africa’s economy and its position in the global market.
Looking to the Future
The Smarter Edge is not just an academic analysis—it is a call to action. The book highlights the interconnected roles of entrepreneurs, universities, accelerators, investors, and policymakers in shaping a successful innovation ecosystem. It underscores the importance of collaboration and trust among all players in the innovation value chain.
The overarching message is clear: innovation does not happen in isolation. It requires a collective effort, strategic vision, and a commitment to nurturing homegrown talent. With initiatives like AfCFTA providing new opportunities for African innovators, the time to act is now.
A Monthly Deep Dive into The Smarter Edge
To ensure these crucial discussions continue, we will be featuring a chapter from The Smarter Edge every month. This will allow readers to engage more deeply with the book’s key themes, explore case studies, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on innovation in South Africa and beyond.
Stay tuned for next month’s instalment, where we will explore the concept of national innovation systems and how they influence economic growth. In the meantime, we encourage you to get your hands on The Smarter Edge and join us in shaping a future where innovation is at the heart of progress.
The DaVinci Institute joined a development initiative to establish global standards for innovation management systems. This was part of a broader effort to embed innovation within a structured framework, ensuring it is not merely a reactive process or isolated activity but an integral part of a well-integrated system. The goal is to foster smarter, more sustainable innovation practices.
You can download it here.
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