I have learned new concepts about misunderstandings that innovation is often associated with only technologies. I have also enjoyed scanning the challenges and gaps related to the innovation ecosystem of our institute. I have also identified supports needed for innovators and learned what the innovation landscape should be in HEIs.
All the identified challenges under activity 3 in this session where applicable to my institution. Moreover, interacting gaps identified and what is needed to do where relevant to our local context. I enjoyed learning a lot of new techniques and ideas from the session 4.1:
Just a full quote: “In the early RFPs issued by RAN’s innovation program, participation of female innovators was low. It was also noted that participation of some disciplines (especially the social sciences) in competitive RFPs was low. The root causes of these were identified to be the systematic regarding constructs which university courses are associated with innovation. In some institutions, innovations are associated with Engineering, ICT and Biomedical Sciences courses. Concepts of social innovation are not well appreciated. This is then linked to the fact that some courses have disproportionately more admissions of males compared to females and vice-versa. Gender structures and biases also affect the likelihood of females leading innovation teams or coming to the fore to bring out their ideas.” (ResilientAfrica Network).
Collaboration and coordination between Professionals is very key in bringing innovations to life. Professionals can not continue working in silos if we have a dream of solving and addressing key developmental issues. The idea of “ONE HEALTH” being embraced by some professionals should be an eye opener for all those looking to solve community problems.
The point of innovation is always long over due. Perhaps the innovation hubs can be enacted into the education system as early as primary and secondary schools. Universities in low middle income coutires eg Makerere University in Uganda are doing a great job
Great discussion overall. To support the participation of female researchers/faculty, young/junior faculty, marginalized groups in research and innovation activities, its the job of the HEIs’ leadership to set the priorities and send the message to each and every section of the university that equal opportunity, equal access and equal treatment is the primary policy of the university and the message and policy be implemented, monitored and enforced.
Innovation is a very motivating factor for research, However, its a long process that requires mentors and resources. I can say, this is the most prominent challenge to LMICs. Therefore, without outside funding, HEIs cannot afford. My Institution can only support innovations after receiving grants but which often go to technology courses and not social sciences. As a result, technology based courses tend to thirve and to sustain mentors and doctoral studies.
However, there is a ray of hope in targeting partnerships with policy making organs in Governments and NGOs, and the private sector. In addition, Privately founded HEIs have to step up energy to partner with public institutions for synergy or use of their innovation centres. I see a challenge of identifying Research translators, where are these found?
Comments (11)
I have learned new concepts about misunderstandings that innovation is often associated with only technologies. I have also enjoyed scanning the challenges and gaps related to the innovation ecosystem of our institute. I have also identified supports needed for innovators and learned what the innovation landscape should be in HEIs.
true women are are very few in some innovations and disciplines requiring rigorous outputs or products
All the identified challenges under activity 3 in this session where applicable to my institution. Moreover, interacting gaps identified and what is needed to do where relevant to our local context. I enjoyed learning a lot of new techniques and ideas from the session 4.1:
Just a full quote: “In the early RFPs issued by RAN’s innovation program, participation of female innovators was low. It was also noted that participation of some disciplines (especially the social sciences) in competitive RFPs was low. The root causes of these were identified to be the systematic regarding constructs which university courses are associated with innovation. In some institutions, innovations are associated with Engineering, ICT and Biomedical Sciences courses. Concepts of social innovation are not well appreciated. This is then linked to the fact that some courses have disproportionately more admissions of males compared to females and vice-versa. Gender structures and biases also affect the likelihood of females leading innovation teams or coming to the fore to bring out their ideas.” (ResilientAfrica Network).
I enjoyed reading about the innovation, sources of innovation, and major challenges of innovation in low-income countries.
A good lesson as innovation when integrated into courses would serve wider community
Collaboration and coordination between Professionals is very key in bringing innovations to life. Professionals can not continue working in silos if we have a dream of solving and addressing key developmental issues. The idea of “ONE HEALTH” being embraced by some professionals should be an eye opener for all those looking to solve community problems.
What an interesting module! I looked into my institution through it. All challenges of inovation mentioned are applicable to mine! Well done.
The point of innovation is always long over due. Perhaps the innovation hubs can be enacted into the education system as early as primary and secondary schools. Universities in low middle income coutires eg Makerere University in Uganda are doing a great job
Great discussion overall. To support the participation of female researchers/faculty, young/junior faculty, marginalized groups in research and innovation activities, its the job of the HEIs’ leadership to set the priorities and send the message to each and every section of the university that equal opportunity, equal access and equal treatment is the primary policy of the university and the message and policy be implemented, monitored and enforced.
Innovation is a very motivating factor for research, However, its a long process that requires mentors and resources. I can say, this is the most prominent challenge to LMICs. Therefore, without outside funding, HEIs cannot afford. My Institution can only support innovations after receiving grants but which often go to technology courses and not social sciences. As a result, technology based courses tend to thirve and to sustain mentors and doctoral studies.
However, there is a ray of hope in targeting partnerships with policy making organs in Governments and NGOs, and the private sector. In addition, Privately founded HEIs have to step up energy to partner with public institutions for synergy or use of their innovation centres. I see a challenge of identifying Research translators, where are these found?