At the beginning of the Study, we sat down with COOi Studios\u2019 Principal Consultant, Kealeboga Lenyibi to discuss how innovation and technology are providing solutions to a range of business obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Innovation as a driver of growth<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018In the African business landscape,\u2019 Kealeboga explains, \u2018there is a huge opportunity to drive inclusive growth through innovation.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n The combination of a young population and the growing adoption of technology provides a backdrop for businesses in Africa to leverage digital innovation, attracting a younger audience and increasing their customer base. Kealeboga explains that by inviting young innovators to the table, businesses will: \u2018open their doors to a more profitable and competitive landscape, enhancing their ability to gain a competitive edge and boosting economic growth\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The barriers to innovation and how to overcome them<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While innovation and technology present areas of enormous opportunity, there are also common barriers that must be assessed and confronted by leaders in organisations. Kealeboga described that these include: \u2018strategic, cultural, political and economical issues – and are often heavily impacted by the activity of high-level management.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u2018The overarching issue that is typically overlooked,\u2019 she explains; \u2018are the behaviours of the senior leadership team towards innovation.\u2019 To overcome these barriers, it is crucial that leaders in organisations are forward-thinking and \u2018remain welcoming to the notion of new concepts, rejecting the initial hostility that may arise from the unknown.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kealeboga goes on to say that \u2018day-to-day operations and decisions by the senior leadership team can play a major role in enabling or disabling innovation in an organisation\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Capacity development and Earth observation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n At the heart of Digital Earth Africa\u2019s work, capacity development is a key part of overcoming obstacles and enabling innovation. As Kealeboga explains, \u2018an approach that specifically looks at capacity building for innovation in Africa promotes the development of technological, organisational and process innovations that add value to organisations, and enable individuals to think about and view things differently, and to apply new or different tools to existing processes.It also enhances collaboration among stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.\u2019<\/p>\n\n\n\n Digital Earth Africa\u2019s capacity development program is a vital part of the work that we do to make Earth observation more accessible across the African continent. To find out more, tune in to our latest webinar.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The collaborative Industry Engagement Study<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Outlining the key impacts of the study, Kealeboga says: \u2018the Industry Engagement Study will boost innovation and the use of Earth observation data\u2019. She explains that this will happen in phases, firstly by \u2018raising awareness of the data that is available from DE Africa\u2019, then by enabling users to understand opportunities and barriers to using satellite technology, the study will \u2018empower organisations to adopt the data and innovate\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Digital Earth Africa Establishment Team is inspired by the initial findings of this collaboration and we endeavour to continue to enable innovators across Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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