SPEAKER:

Dr Gabriela Dutrénit: Professor of Economics and Innovation Management, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Mexico; President of Mexico’s Advisory Forum on Science and Technology

Date:  Wednesday, 1 July      
Time: 13:45  – 15:30
Venue:    VCRs, Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban

The HSRC seminar series is funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The views and opinions expressed therein as well as findings and statements of the seminar series do not necessarily represent the views of DST.

Inequality prevails in many countries of the global South, and large groups of the population remain excluded from the benefits of the development process. It is recognised that knowledge and innovation can contribute to a substantial improvement in living conditions; however the difficulties encountered by the development process in the last century require a review of the linkages between knowledge, innovation, development and social inclusion. Although the theoretical approach to National Systems of Innovation has helped to highlight the importance of knowledge and links in the economic success of countries, it is necessary to gradually move the discussion towards ways to combine innovation systems, inclusiveness and development.

This presentation reflects on the implications of this focus for policy making in the STI arena. Some relevant issues that emerge from our reflections are the following: how do we articulate STI and social policies to contribute to social inclusion? How do we design and implement those policies? Which is the appropriate STI policy mix? How do we combine traditional objectives and social inclusion, using a public policy approach? Which actors are involved in these public policies? And what is the scope to put ‘national goals’ at the heart of the strategy?

The seminar may be attended in Pretoria, Cape Town or Durban

RSVP by 28 June
Cape Town: Carmen August (021) 466 7827, caugust@hsrc.ac.za   12th Floor, Plein Park Building, Plein Street, Cape Town
Durban: Ridhwaan Khan (031) 242 5400, rkhan@hsrc.ac.za   1st Floor, 750 Francois Road, Ntuthuko Junction, Pods 5 and 6, Cato Manor
Pretoria: Arlene Grossberg (012) 302 2811, acgrossberg@hsrc.ac.za  1st  Floor, HSRC Building, 134 Pretorius Street, Pretoria