A team of HSRC researchers has been pioneering participatory action research on how to institutionalise innovation in local government. This work has gained traction in local municipalities and the core principles of the National Framework for Local Economic Development (NFLED) 2018–2028. More than a decade of this programme of research has deepened and expanded the innovation for local economic development (ILED) commitment of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI).

The forthcoming Transformative Demonstration Learning session sets out to empower actors operating inside the boundaries of municipalities to optimally use the ILED tools, better known as the Local Innovation Advancement Tools (LIAT). The ILED initiative of DSI recognises the uniqueness of local innovation systems and their potential to tailor solutions for local development challenges. It emphasises hands-on learning and capability-building to leverage ILED.

The ILED approach draws on systems perspectives and co-creation methodologies that will make integrated development plans and local economic development strategies more responsive to municipal developmental needs.

The ILED Transformative Demonstration Learning has attracted widespread interest, especially from municipalities in the Limpopo and Eastern Cape provinces where LIAT communities of practice (COP) are growing from strength to strength. In the respective provinces, the HSRC has joined the COPs alongside colleagues at the University of Venda (in Thohoyandou) and Walter Sisulu University (in Mthatha).

Date: 12 – 15 March 2024

Venue: Premiere Hotel Regent, East London

To register and find out more, contact Phila Dyantyi PDyantyi@hsrc.ac.za