06 Feb 2022

As the country transitions to a knowledge-based economy, it is important for local higher learning institutions to cultivate innovative eco-systems, says University of Botswana (UB) Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris.

Speaking during UB’s Masterclass Series on Leadership and Transformation in Gaborone on Friday, Prof Norris said the institution intended to assist government by establishing a network of shared stakeholder values through academic and industry interactions.

He said the masterclass series was one of UB's flagship engagement initiatives that aimed to ensure cross-fertilisation of existing and new knowledge within the strategic pillars of teaching and learning as well as research and innovation as espoused in UB's 2020-2029 vision of creating a future for the knowledge generation.

“Given the university’s rich history as the source and foundation of the country's formative labour force and human capital development, the UB industry masterclass series further aims to impact the university community with industry-specific expertise and experiences on topical socio-economic issues,” he said.

For his part, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology deputy permanent secretary, Dr Kekgonne Baipoledi said innovation and transformation were essential for the country to shift from a middle-income economy to a high-income economy in line with Vision 2036.

Dr Baipoledi said UB’s masterclass series was an exemplary initiative which sought to recognise the country’s reset and reclaim agenda.

“Institutions of higher learning play a critical role in building human resource and contributing to the development of new policies and thoughts, which will drive the economy forward,” he said. Dr Baipoledi also urged UB to lead transformation in the education sector in research, science, technology and innovation. 

Meanwhile, SAP industry and value advisory head, Mr Mpho Matsitse underscored the importance of universities driving successful digital transformation and achieving quantifiable business value in the economy.

He said the key to UB’s vision 2029 was to collaboratively build the knowledge society of tomorrow in various disciplines.

He said creating new funding and revenue streams, creating student life-time value and leveraging public, private and people centred partnerships to accommodate the student of the new world through joint advisory innovation councils were some initiatives that UB could adopt to create a future for the knowledge generation.

“Moreover, brave and progressive leadership needs to also be implemented to enable multiple and competing business priorities as well as to evangelise business composability to more easily address competing imperatives in order for the country’s vision to be realised,” he said.  BOPA