Collaboration Key to Driving Innovation Economy, Says Dr. Pulane Nkhabutlane at SRIM II Symposium
Dr. Pulane Nkhabutlane, the Coordinator of the Innovation Hub at the National University of Lesotho, stressed the importance of collaboration in driving the country’s innovation economy during her presentation at the 3rd Strengthening Research and Innovation Management (SRIM) II Symposium held in Maseru on Wednesday.
The event brought together participants from various higher learning institutions and organizations with the goal of exploring practical strategies to overcome barriers to commercialization, foster impactful collaboration between academia, industry, and government, and showcase best practices and success stories from innovation ventures.
Dr. Nkhabutlane emphasized that the connection between higher education and industry in Lesotho remains underdeveloped, pointing out that this gap hampers the potential for innovation. She argued that collaboration between universities and companies is essential to foster a thriving innovation economy, allowing both sectors to leverage their strengths for greater impact.
In her discussion, Dr. Nkhabutlane highlighted several challenges facing institutions regarding research and innovation. One of the main hurdles is the bureaucratic nature of institutions, where policies and procedures often follow one-size-fits-all models that may not be suitable for the diverse needs of research and innovation activities. These rigid systems, she said, can stifle creativity and slow down progress, particularly in the fast-moving field of innovation.
By advocating for a more flexible and collaborative approach, Dr. Nkhabutlane called for the removal of institutional barriers that limit the potential of researchers and innovators. The key, she argued, lies in building partnerships across sectors, enabling greater synergy and ensuring that research is not only theoretical but also has practical, commercial applications.
The SRIM II Symposium provided a platform for these critical discussions and further highlighted the need for continued efforts to bridge the gap between academia and industry, encouraging innovation that can drive sustainable economic growth. Dr. Nkhabutlane’s insights added to the growing dialogue around how Lesotho can position itself as a leader in innovation, both regionally and globally.
