Investing in Social Innovation and Technology in Tanzania

Investing in Social Innovation and Technology in Tanzania • CONTENTS
C O N T E N T S
Acknowledgements 2
Foreword 4
Executive summary 5
Summary of recommendations 6
Introduction 7
1 INVESTING IN THE ECOSYSTEM 8
1.1 Recommendation: Take a systems approach to designing and implementing innovation investments 10
1.2 Recommendation: Invest strategically in innovative individuals and networks 13
1.3 Recommendation: Address the skills gap that creates bottlenecks in the ecosystem
and empower youth to be drivers of innovation 16
1.4 Recommendation: Use universally agreed definitions and jargon-free frameworks
and tools to build innovation-related skills 18
1.5 Recommendation: Design inclusive activities for healthier and more diverse networks 19
2 CUSTOMISING APPROACHES TO ENABLE INNOVATIONS 22
2.1 Recommendation: Tailor funding and support mechanisms to meet the needs of
industry sub-sectors surrounding specific innovations 24
2.2 Recommendation: Invest in and encourage collaborative partnerships 29
2.3 Recommendation: Make learning a legitimate, acceptable outcome in an early-stage
innovation ecosystem 30
3 LEARNING, SHARING, AND ADAPTING 32
3.1 Recommendation: Set clear targets, timelines, and decision-making processes to facilitate
strategic and timely adaptation 34
3.2 Recommendation: Invest in systems that support evidence and learning, including
flexible and adaptable staffing and financial structures 35
Conclusion 37
Endnotes 38
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