Entries by Kathryn Touré

Economic growth depends on innovation pathways, argued Professor Martin Hall at a recent lecture in Dakar. This means, he explains, small-scale innovation implemented over a period of time, not events or magic bullets. “Sustainable innovation comes from the cumulative effects of implementing small scale, useful ideas over quite long periods of time.”

There is an ethical dimension to innovation. Fast food, for example, is an innovation, and one that has boosted economies, but one that has had devastating effects on human health. At his lecture, Hall gave the example of deep fried mars bars: good for innovation but bad for public health.

What is needed for meaningful innovation? To begin, says Hall, understanding of African culture and societies, as well as confidence. But that is not enough. Government policies must create conditions for innovation via appropriate incentives and regulatory environments. And innovations need to reach people to make a difference. Continue reading "Innovation Pathways in Africa"