Nigeria Innovation Summit (NIS) 2017 edition has raised eight key points that focus on the needs for the country, businesses, organisations, entrepreneurs to become more innovative and apply innovation to drive sustainable development and bridge the digital divide.
The Summit with the theme, ‘Transforming Nigeria’s Economy through Technology, Innovation and Entrepreneurship’, organized by Emerging Media, was held recently at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos with over 350 delegates drawn from within and outside Nigeria.
Rising from the Summit, the participants made submissions and recommendations on how to move the country forward through innovation and entrepreneurship.
First, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship are key to growing a sustainable economy. And there is a great need for Nigeria to embrace such to grow her economy across all sectors as Nigeria’s economic growth will impact on Africa;
Secondly, the role of government in driving technology and innovation in Nigeria was emphasized, hence government at all levels should start investing in technology and Innovation as Nigeria has the human, natural and the financial resources to become a leader in innovation.
Government should also create the enabling environment and build the infrastructure like power that will attract investments and also grow local economies;
Thirdly, Nigeria was described as in dire need of growing her own innovative and disruptive ideas that will transform the country and bring in foreign investments;
Fourthly, the Summit frowned at lack of a clear cut policy that encourages technology, innovation and entrepreneurship in Nigeria which has been a major setback for the country in realizing her potentials and leverage emerging technologies to drive economic growth;
Fifthly, technology and innovation thrive on healthy innovation ecosystems where there is collaboration between the public and the private sector;
The summit further called for greater collaborations between the government, private sectors, the academics, the media and entrepreneurs. The efforts of Private Health Sector Alliance of Nigeria (PHH) in galvanising private sector coalition to drive Health innovations in Nigeria, was highly commended.
Sixth, the participants emphasized the role of the academics in driving technology research, incubation and development was also brought to light. Thus, Nigerian universities, research centers and higher education community should take up the responsibility and contribute their quota;
The seventh point was on the need that Nigerian youths should be supported and encouraged to embrace technology, innovation and entrepreneurship so as to build the future of Nigeria;
Eight, the Summit welcomed and encouraged collaborations with the government, corporate organizations, international organizations and the academic community towards promoting open innovation in Nigeria.
The summit communiqué signed by Mr. Tony Ajah, the director, underscores the presentation of Nigeria innovation Awards to many organisations: Private Sector Health Alliance for leading the drive on Health Innovation in Nigeria; BAU Research & Development for Driving Innovation in Higher Education in Nigeria; Dot Learn Inc. for their Innovative Technology to Drive Quality Learning in Nigeria; Bankole Oloruntoba for his contribution to Startup Development in Nigeria and Adenike Akinsemola for her Innovative Work with Green Initiative.
Others are, Tizeti for their effort in Driving Internet Access in Nigeria; Kaosiso Anaekwe for Promoting and Supporting Nigerian SMEs with Digital Skills; Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) South Africa in Recognition of your effort in Driving Open Innovation in Africa; ScholarX For Promoting Access to Scholarship Opportunities in Nigeria; andQuadcycle Automobile recieved the Most Innovative Startup 2017 Award for their hybrid electric car.
The Nigeria Innovation Summit, a brainchild of Emerging Media, also attracted delegates from Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability, South Africa; the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria; Anambra State Government; Kaduna State; Google Business Group; Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; UNIDO/NIRP; Enspire Business Incubator, Abuja; Oxford Business Group, UK; British High Commission; South Africa, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos Business School; University of Lagos; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Caleb University; Crescent University; Nasarawa State University; Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria, amongst others.
Finally, the Summit organisers in collaboration with Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) South Africa officially launched the Nigeria-South Africa Innovation Network, which aimed at promoting Open Innovation among the two countries.