Anneline Morgan
DPhil in Innovation and Development
Blanche Mpofu
DPhil in Innovation and Development
Bulelwa Mazwi
DPhil in Innovation and Development
Thembumenzi Kunene
Study Title: Understanding the Diffusion of Innovation to Improve Service Delivery in the Public Sector
Summary:
This study explores how 4IR technologies and digital tools are adopted to enhance policy-making and service delivery in the public sector. Using Eswatini as a case study, it examines the enablers, barriers, and outcomes of innovation in government systems.
LinkedIn Profile: Thembumenzi Kunene
Nickey Jense Van Resnsburg
Study Title:
Scaling Grassroots Innovation: Adaptive Governance for Sustainable Environmental Policy
Summary:
This study explores how local environmental initiatives can influence broader policy through structured experimentation and adaptive governance. Grounded in socio-technical systems thinking, it uses place-based innovation theory and DUI learning to build a framework for scaling grassroots solutions. By analyzing real-world cases in climate adaptation, air and water quality, and the circular economy, the research highlights how diverse actors co-create knowledge and enable systemic change in environmental governance.
Gugulethu Nyoni
DPhil in Innovation and Development
Tafadzwa Chirowaman
DPhill in Innovation
Simbashashe Sibanda
DPhil in Innovation
Llyod Nodohe
DPhil in Innovation
Wandile Kelly Mlilo
DPhil in Innovation
Gaboile Mabeba
DPhil in Innovation
Wondia Mireille Yeo
Study Title:
Power, Finance, and Gender: Navigating the Political Economy of a Just Energy Transition in Cote d’Ivoire
Summary:
This study explores how power relations, finance, and gender shape the energy transition in Cote d’Ivoire. It examines the influence of neo-colonialism and political interests in the electricity sector, while also highlighting gender gaps in the solar workforce and the shortcomings of gender mainstreaming in energy policies. The aim is to identify barriers to a just and inclusive energy transition.
Tebogo Ramaoka
DPhil in Innovation
Amanda-Leigh O’Connell
DPhil in Innovation
Liesel Kassier
DPhil in Innovation
Gerard Ralphs
Study Title:
Measuring Innovation Differently: Experimental Approaches in South Africa’s Cultural and Creative Industries
Summary:
This study explores new ways of measuring innovation within South Africa’s cultural and creative industries. Combining innovation surveys with autoethnography, it develops small-scale experiments across business, public, and household sectors. The aim is to build a reflexive, systemic framework that better captures diverse forms of innovation. Grounded in decolonial and transformative policy thinking, the research contributes to more inclusive national science, technology, and innovation indicators.
Busisiwe Ntuli
DPhil in Innovation