Research development and innovation, abbreviated as RDI, are essential drivers of progress, fostering economic growth, societal advancement and global well-being.
Investing in RDI is not only an investment but also a commitment in advancing knowledge, and technological progress while creating a world for generations to come.
Kenya and the continent at large have made significant strides in fostering research, development, and innovation.
However, there are still challenges to overcome and opportunities to seize.
Through addressing the infrastructure gaps, increasing investment in RDI, strengthening intellectual property rights protection, fostering collaborations, investing in education and skills development and promoting gender and youth inclusion, Kenya and the continent can improve their Global Innovation Index -GII rankings and unlock economic prosperity.
It is worth noting that Kenya has embraced the innovation culture.
To add on to that, the Science Technology and Innovation Act of 2012 marked an important step in providing a framework to Kenya’s transition into a knowledge based economy with innovation hubs fostering collaborations, knowledge sharing and cross pollination of ideas.
This led to the generation of new technologies, growth in research, availability of modern ICT infrastructures, products and services.
The government has further rolled out an ambitious plan to support the innovation culture by establishing 10 science and technology parks spread across the country, with some already operational such as the Konza Technopolis.
These growing science parks are serving as catalysts to economic growth.
It is worth to mention that Konza Technopolis one of the science parks will be hosting the prestigious “The 41st International Association of Science Parks World Conference on Science Parks and Areas of Innovation, IASP” in September this year marking a pivotal moment in the global dialogue on empowering regions such as Africa.
This is to help them harness the potential of their burgeoning youth demographic, entrepreneurship, and technology for economic growth in addition to addressing the challenges posed by a global population that is steadily ageing.
With the continent’s demographics foreseen to change, science parks like Konza Technopolis will play a critical role in promoting entrepreneurship, job creation and economic growth across the continent.
We have witnessed the proximity between science parks fostering collaborations, knowledge sharing and cross pollination of ideas leading to generation of new technologies, products and services.
A good example is the Cambridge Science Park, which has been instrumental in nurturing numerous successful companies and spin-offs that have made significant contributions to various industries.
Companies such as AstraZeneca, ARM Holdings, and Abcam are among the notable success stories that have emerged from the science park, demonstrating its role as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, science parks are attracting highly skilled workers, investments, technological advancement while providing a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, startups and industry academia collaborations.
The theme calls for reflection on critical components of collaboration across the world to ensure that there is a sufficient talent pool, innovation and technology base, to sustain the global economy.
For IASP members voting to host the conference in Nairobi, Kenya instead of Québec City in Canada after two-years of virtual world conferences, is a true testament in the strides the country is making towards technology, innovation, research and development.
Kenya won the competition on merit as the competition between the two countries was fierce with each showcasing what their respective cities had to offer.
Kenya has been working towards boosting innovation and investing in research and development to foster economic growth and address societal challenges.
Last year Kenya ranked 100th among the 132 economies featured in the GII 2023 done by World Intellectual Property Organization - WIPO.
Moreover, Kenya has been one of the leading countries in Africa regarding innovation and technology adoption, particularly in sectors like mobile banking and agriculture.
According to the Global Innovation Index 2021, Kenya ranked fourth in the continent.
Nairobi, Kenya’s capital christened “Silicon Savannah” has gained recognition as a burgeoning tech hub, attracting development centers like Amazon, Google, Visa and Microsoft.
Through initiatives like Ajira Digital under the Ministry of ICT and Digital Economy implemented by eMobilis and Kenya private sector alliance with the strategic support of the Mastercard Foundation, young people are skilled and re-skilled.
This while being equipped with tools and knowledge necessary to navigate complex landscapes in sciences, technology, arts or entrepreneurship.
There is a symbiotic relationship between skilling, and innovation.
As the government empowers young minds, fostering collaborations, bridging gaps driving technological advancement, nurturing entrepreneurship and cultivating a culture of innovation, skilling initiatives in science parks serve as powerful catalysts for innovation across all sectors in the society.
As the country embraces the opportunities and challenges of the future, investing in skilling and science parks is not only an investment in individual empowerment but also a catalyst for unlocking the full potential of the country’s young population.
Businesses, too, are reaping significant benefits from the science parks. They are gaining access to a pool of skilled talent proficient in digital technologies, offering cost-effective solutions to enhance their operations, reach new markets, and drive growth.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) particularly are benefiting from the digital revolution, as they are able to leverage online platforms to expand their customer base, streamline processes, and compete on a level playing field with larger corporations.
Furthermore, improved innovations and scientific research are opening doors to new industries and markets.
Kenyan businesses are exploring emerging sectors such as artificial intelligence, renewable energy, biotechnology, and fintech, leveraging cutting-edge research and technological advancements to drive innovation and competitiveness on a global scale.
The country’s innovation system continues to thrive driven by a combination of local talent, entrepreneurial spirit and technological ingenuity.
The groundbreaking innovations like Mpesa, iCow, Ushahidi, and Mkopa Solar have not only addressed the pressing challenges, but also unlocked new opportunities for economic development, social empowerment and sustainable growth.
The synergy between young people and businesses fueled by innovations, research and development will create a vicious cycle of economic development and prosperity.
IASP conference will also offer a wealth of opportunities not only for Kenyans but also the African continent to leverage innovation as a driver of economic transformation, social development and global competitiveness.
The writer is the Co-founder and managing director at eMobilis Technology Training Institute
