College of Economic & Management Sciences
Creative research to drive innovative sustainable societies - A CEMS research showcase
The College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS) recently hosted its sixth annual Research and Innovation Day under the theme "Creative research to drive innovative sustainable societies – A CEMS Research Showcase". The event highlighted the importance of research and collaboration in tackling global and local challenges.
From left: Keynote speaker, Sithembile Ntombela, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Brand South Africa; Prof Ntwanano Godi, Acting Director of the School of Economic and Financial Sciences at CEMS; and Prof Marcia Mkansi, Head of Office for Graduate Studies, and Research at CEMS
Welcoming the guests, Dr Ntwanano Godi, Acting Director of the School of Economic and Financial Sciences at CEMS, emphasised the crucial role of research in advancing human capital and generating knowledge for societal improvement. "In our college," said Godi, "research, innovation, human capital development, and science generate new knowledge to improve quality life in the service of humanity. It contributes not only to sustainable development goals but also to the transformation of Africa." He underscored the importance of collaboration, noting that "collaborations are extremely important to us as an institution of higher learning, and this showcase seeks to achieve that amongst other things that are lined up".
One of the keynote speakers, Sithembile Ntombela, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of Brand South Africa, also highlighted the necessity of strategic partnerships. She said that understanding consumer insights is crucial for effective marketing strategies. Ntombela explained that "those in marketing know you cannot produce anything and develop a strategy without understanding these insights". She went on to say that "Unisa can enhance its brand by clearly articulating and communicating its vision and value proposition. This is what sets an institution apart from the rest."
Ntombela, who is also the advisory board member for City Nation Place in the United Kingdom, stressed the importance of collaboration for impact and innovation, asserting that teamwork leads to greater reach and influence. She explained: "Collaboration with strategic partners is crucial because it gives you impact, reach, and influence. Collaborations also give birth to co-creation and innovation."
Keynote speaker, Prof Aaron Luntala Nsakanda from Carleton University
Prof Aaron Luntala Nsakanda from Carleton University delivered a keynote address entitled "Uncovering Resilience: Four Insights to Advancing Research on Adaptive Capacity to Extreme Weather and Climate Events". He explained the alarming increase in both the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (EWEs). Additionally, he highlighted the varying levels of global preparedness to confront the impacts of these events: "The impact of extreme weather events is not uniform. In Africa, the agricultural sector bears the brunt, while in North America, it is the infrastructure sector that's most affected."
Prof Marcia Mkansi, Head of the Office for Graduate Studies, and Research at CEMS, highlighted the broader vision of the event. "Our research and innovation go beyond merely showcasing our work. It is an open invitation to industry, government, and NGOs to collaborate with us on research exploration, innovation, generation of intellectual property, and co-funding opportunities." She extended invitations to various sectors, urging them to collaborate with CEMS in their quest for creative research aimed at driving innovative sustainable societies.
The event underscored the integral role of collaboration in achieving sustainable development. CEMS, committed to tackling local, national and international challenges through innovative research, remains a frontrunner in promoting positive change and fostering partnerships that extend beyond academia.
* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Economic and Management Sciences.
Publish date: 2024/06/19
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