Browsing by Author "Soumonni, Ogundiran"

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Endogenous innovation and digital inclusion: A Global African perspective
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023-09) Soumonni, Ogundiran; Monroe-White, Thema
This paper systematically reflects on the myriad ways in which Africans, understood as a global people who include their Diaspora, can more effectively draw on their own technological capabilities in order to achieve more inclusive and equitable digital outcomes. We begin with the observation that while ongoing scholarly and policy discourses on the global digital revolution optimistically highlight its opportunities for African societies, the imperative of the domestic contribution to these – endogenous innovation – is often buried among numerous other considerations. As such, our study delineates the diverse, though mutually reinforcing, ways in which endogenous technological innovation, ranging from research and development (R&D) to the novel deployment of existing technologies, is effectively employed by intentional actors in state, private sector and grassroots organisations. Digital governance in this perspective is then informed by constant attention to the interplay between these two dimensions (governance and technological innovation) with the ultimate aim of achieving universal and equitable digital access, particularly in less privileged Global African societies, and within a relatively short time horizon. Lastly, informed by historical path dependence, that is, philosophical, technical and experiential examples from the past, we develop a conceptual framework which we call endogenous digital innovation. This framework more explicitly highlights some of the critical pathways that could lead to desirable socio-technical futures in the African world.
Innovative Financing Models for Rural Electrification in the Eastern Cape, South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Maphosa, Thobile; Soumonni, Ogundiran
This research report is based on a case study that examines innovative financing models for rural electrification in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This qualitative study examines innovative financing models deployed to extend electricity in rural areas and promote renewable energy technology innovation in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Technological and economic catch up in the biotechnology sectoral innovation system in South Africa
(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moonsamy, Ghaneshree; Soumonni, Ogundiran
Based on the global drive to move towards knowledge-based economies, several countries have identified biotechnology as a sector of interest for economic development. South Africa too, has identified this sector as a means to stimulate economic growth, bridge the inequality gap and reduce unemployment. Despite significant efforts to date, the impact and performance of the biotechnology sector on the socio-economic status of South Africa has been uninspiring. This study aims to evaluate the existing biotech-based sectoral system of innovation and assess potential pathways that may be undertaken to achieve technological and eventual economic catch-up by the country. Windows of opportunity that may entail technological, demand and institutional/public policies were also evaluated. This study used a mixed method approach, which firstly assessed the performance of the South African biotech sectoral system of innovation (SSI) in comparison to five other countries of interest. Thereafter, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants involved in the biotech triple helix system of innovation. Key findings indicated that South Africa performed poorly in comparison to other countries evaluated, which included the USA, Germany, Mexico, India and Singapore. Regardless of having pockets of excellence and enabling mechanisms such as supporting policies and available infrastructure, organisational capabilities and a highly fragmented national system of innovation are major limitations of the sector. These findings present a key message in that further, significant efforts are required to build on existing capabilities such that the country is able to increase its global standing in terms of biotech-based innovation. As a developing, upper middle income county, South Africa is unfortunately way of the mark in terms of economic catch up, however pathways of catch-up, specifically technology, demand and policy windows of opportunity do exist and need to be harnessed.