The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is developing a training programme on local innovation for the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This capacity building supports innovation champions that DSTI deployed in municipalities as a core part of its Innovation for Local Economic Development (ILED) strategy.

The training rests on 6 modules that complement each other in promoting innovation. Figure 1 displays the titles of the modules:

    Figure 1: The schematic snapshot of modules for training of the ILED Champions

The HSRC recently submitted a set of draft module descriptors to DSTI with the aim of refining them by the end of July 2025. Each descriptor explains the purpose of the module and lists the themes that participating innovation champions will explore, how the training will be presented, and the resources offered to stimulate the creativity of participants.

Training materials for each module will be distributed through the “Innovation Bridge Portal,” a new online platform developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). This portal will give ILED Champions access to learning content, mentoring sessions with research experts, and tools to help local leaders bridge the innovation gap in municipalities.

This initiative marks a critical step toward ensuring that ILED is not only aspirational but actionable, and anchored in evidence, policy, and appropriate innovation capabilities. With the right tools and training, local innovation is poised to ignite dynamic economic transformation.

Here is a link to find out more about ILED activities: https://hsrc.ac.za/news/equitable-and-ecological-socioeconomic-transformation/initiatives-for-the-innovation-for-local-economic-development-iled-center-kick-off/