Linda Swart, a psychology graduate from the University of Pretoria and innovation promoter, spoke to HumanIPO about the non-profit South African Innovation Network (SAINe).
HumanIPO: What is the best way to describe SAINe?
Swart: The South African Innovation Network is a non-profit network providing a neutral platform for activating the multi-helix principle in Southern Africa where government, academia, industry and society come together and collaborate to find new solutions, innovate and generate value.
SAINe therefore works to enhance and promote the innovation climate in South Africa.
What is your background?
I am a psychology graduate from the University of Pretoria and a passionate supporter of innovation.
I truly believe in collaboration for change and see myself as a connecter in the innovation landscape.
I am an entrepreneur by heart and I am inspired by change. I love social media and I am an active blogger, where I promote innovation in all its forms.
What are some of the goals SAINe has set?
SAINe intends building a community of innovation practitioners to focus on the development of a South African national system of innovation for economic and social benefit with positive influences spilling over to neighboring countries.
[We want to] create a platform for SAINe leaders of innovation to be used as an instrument to lobby support and understanding of the importance of dedicated activities to grow a culture of innovation in South Africa and create, share, disseminate and celebrate knowledge in the subject of “innovation management” in Southern Africa.
When was SAINe established?
SAINe was established in August 2009 at the second Innovation Summit, a conference that focuses on innovation and brings together thought leaders and practitioners in the field.
What led to the establishment of SAINe?
A group of change-agents had a discussion around innovation and came to the conclusion that innovation happens in silos and that it is an isolated space to be in.
They also found that there was a need for the “glue” in the innovation system between academic institutions, government departments, corporate companies and entrepreneurs and so SAINe was born as a platform to connect these different entities.
What process must be followed to join and how many members does SAINe have to date?
The registration process is quite easy. You register on SAINe’s site by simply clicking on the “member registration”.
We currently have 455 members from various sectors spanning from garage operators to innovation managers at large corporate companies.
Where is SAINe based?
SAINe is based at the Innovation Hub in Pretoria. The Innovation Hub is Africa’s first accredited Science and Technology Park [and] is a subsidiary of the Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, which is an agency of the Gauteng Department of Economic Development.
