The third SA Innovation Summit was successfully hosted on 26-27 August at The Innovation Hub, in Pretoria.
Arranged by RIIS (the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability) and Sense to Solve, in collaboration with The Innovation Hub, the theme this year centred on real innovation stories shared by true innovators - the trials and turbulences, the lessons learnt - the hardships, the mistakes made, the pitfalls, the successes, the breakthrough moments, the celebrations, the winners.
The event was attended by 155 delegates, who represented institutions like the CSIR, DTI, FNB, ABSA, Standard Bank, Investec, Dimension Data, Gijima, FNB, Nedbank, various universities, as well as the likes of Eskom and the DBSA. Some of the main sponsors were FNB, DBSA BMGI, Spoor & Fischer and many others.
The first day consisted of the sharing of true innovation stories by known innovators like Michael Jordaan, CEO of FNB. The legendary Sally Williams herself, as well as the MD of Sally Williams Fine Foods, Marc Sac, shared their successes and hardships, while we also heard about dreams of flying and electric cars.
Zapiro entertained with the stories and reactions to his innovative, tongue-in-cheek and often very daring cartoons, while we were inspired by the true-life experiences of local talent and disabled people boldly taking a stand and making a difference in the country. Delegates even had a taste of NomU hot chocolate while listening to the presentation made about the humble beginnings and grand successes of this extraordinary South African company.
The event was a different, innovative experience in the true sense of the word. Delegates received summit bags carefully crafted by the Topsy foundation, a rural community project and not-for-profit organisation that provides support to HIV/Aids patients and who play a huge role in the general upliftment of communities. The bag was filled with information, chocolate surprises, Sally Williams Nougat and as well as a delegate CD that contained innovation related information, articles and video clips. A “Summit idea book” was also created especially for the event that contained short biographies of speakers, interesting riddles, brainteasers and puzzles, innovation quotes and creative exercises. It provided more than enough space for doodles and notes and was put together from recycled materials, accompanied by a recycled pencil for scribbling.
Lunch took the form of a picnic, with every person receiving his/her own picnic basket containing, among others things, a sample of “instant hot meals”. This meal comes pre-packed and by pulling a string at the bottom of the package, instant meals were ready within minutes.
Towards the evening, delegates was further treated to the art of storytelling by guest speaker Kofi Kouakou, while they enjoyed wine-tasting offered by Creation Wines, and kept themselves warm around the fire with their very own dream blankets. The delegate dream blankets, handed out with the summit bag, were really exceptional, as they were handcrafted by the women participating in the Topsy project. Each blanket was different, as it contained an African wisdom quote and the “story” of the woman who crafted it was carefully embroidered on the front and accompanied by a photograph.
The second day consisted of workshops focused on knowledge sharing and learning. A total of six workshops were on offer and delegates could choose which to attend at two different timeslots during the morning.
The workshops on offer focused on the following topics:
1. Innovation and creativity - to hire or to train, presented by Andries Fourie, CEO and facilitator of AIRHo
2. Demonstrating innovation value, presented by Henra Mayer, Director, RIIS (The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability)
3. Creating and developing an innovation policy, presented by Davis Cook, Head of Economic Strategy, Blue IQ Investment Holdings
4. Using networks to unlock innovation potential, presented by Jayshree Naidoo, Head of Innovation & Entrepreneurship, DBSA
5. Substantial innovation across an entire organisation, presented by Itha Taljaard, CEO Sense to Solve
6. What customers really want, presented by Salomon Erasmus, MD of BMGi
An Innovation Pilgrimage facilitated by Nico de Klerk also took place on the Innovation Hub grounds. The event aimed to create a wow experience for the audience, to facilitate deep and connected learning and deliver value beyond expectation. It was different, it was hilarious and informative, and most of all, it was thoroughly enjoyed. Make sure you don't miss it next year!
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