October 21, 2005
Looking At Innovation On A Global Scale
Today I am considering the topic of innovation on a global scale. Looking to the future, what countries do you think will play the largest role in research, discovery and science. Pundits have placed bets on China and India; however, I am looking to South Africa.
South Africa, with a population of over 44 Million, is becoming not only an up and coming fashion capital and tourist destination, but is also at the center of global innovation. They have large, academically rigorous universities. A government with a strong focus on science and technology, and are making headway in the fight against AIDS.
Where science education is concerned, South African universities are pioneers. One of the larger universities in the country, University of Capetown boasts an extensive research and innovation department. The school also features 18 A-rated scientists, as judged by the National Research Foundation.
South Africa also has the National Advisory Council on Innovation, a body working to bring citizens together through research and discovery. The board is appointed by the Minister of Science and Technology and advises him on matters of innovation. The mere fact that South Africa has a minister of Science and Technology is case and point that they are on their way to being a beacon of innovation on a global scale.
According to their Web site, (http://www.naci.org.za/about/whatis.html), NACI is striving to effect change through research because “A well-managed and properly functioning national system of innovation will make it possible for all South Africans to enjoy the economic, socio-political and intellectual benefits of science and technology.”
Also, as South Africa and the rest of the world battle the AIDS epidemic, money, time and researchers are looking to the people of the nation to lead the charge. I believe technological advancement will occur as a result of medical breakthroughs and discoveries in the region.
What other countries do you see making leaps and bounds in innovation internationally? In the next five years? 20 years? 50 years?
Erin [erin.canty@brainreactions.com]
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2 Responses to “Looking At Innovation On A Global Scale”
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October 25th, 2005 at 6:40 am
Intorduced! on BlogIntro.com
December 29th, 2005 at 10:21 am
Innovation will continue to be driven throughout the world but there will always be the change agents followed by the adapters. Much innovation comes out of the university environment, an area in which the United States has excelled and dominated for decades. Students from around the world have travelled across the ponds to pursue research opportunities in instiutions offering graduated level research programs, boasting millions of dollars in funding. However, as stated by author Thomas Friedman the “electronic herd” is changing the way we view the world and innovation will be following the growth of markets on our planet. By shear mass alone, no doubt China and India will be major players, but they do have their challenges ahead. I believe two of the major sources of innovation for the coming decades will be healthcare and sustainability. As the EU develops tighter bonds and a healthier market I believe they will also develop into a major power in the innovation arena. The United States will be challenged as world-renowned research institutions continue to lose funding (especially those that are “public”) and more and more compete for funding from NSF and NIH (two examples). Innovation will become more of a grassroots opportunity similar to what BrainReactions has been able to accomplish.