A decision by Government to create Botswana Innovation Hub was a well thought out one, if only it was implemented fully and with a sufficient budget.
Botswana has a real problem with science, technology and innovation.
A lot of potential can be tapped in that area.
If only it can be stimulated.
The quality of economic output would increase sufficiently if more focus could be deployed on technology investments.
Investments in technology research, science research and general innovation would result ultimately take care of such practical matters like water shortages, slow internet and general malaise on transport.
That, however can only happen if the basic strategy is properly designed, with clear result based targets.
Underinvestment and capital mis-allocation when it comes to research based science is having a negative effect on the economy.
They affect productivity and ultimately undermine the economy.
A lot could come out if more focus can be harnessed.
As it is, BIH does not seem to be anything much more than an estate and property company that leases out office space.
BIH should be made much more ambitious.
The starting point is not to cut down on the scope of BIH by reducing its budget.
Rather the current budget should be more than tripled and have the leadership therein imbued with the importance of the space they occupy in the overall developmental vision of the country.
BIH should occupy a prime space and be transformed into a centerpiece of government efforts to convert this nation’s economy into an ideas based economy away from resource based economy.
Not all is lost.
BIH should be sufficiently capitalised if it is to become a fully fledged ideas incubation centre where young people can start to have their ideas finally transcending science labs and entering the real practical world.
The idea is that the best time to catch these people is when they are still very young.
The reason what China has surpassed many countries of the world in its development path, pace and trajectory is because the country has spent a lot of money on science and technology.
That has happened by taking deliberate steps to invest more in these areas.
Ultimately the end product has been the churning of the highest number of graduates in science based disciplines than any other country in the world as a proportion of the total number of graduates.
A way has to be found to ensure a close relationship between BIH and BIUST (Botswana International University of Science and Technology).
There is no doubting that BIUST has with time significantly derailed from its original scope and mandate.
But that mandate, which included creating a world class institute that had close ties and synergies with similar organisations worldwide remains relevant.
Formulating synergies between BIUST and BIH can help catapult the two towards become premier institutions
Companies should also be encouraged to spend more of their proceeds towards research and development.
It is only when companies are dedicated to research and development and show that dedication by setting aside budget for it that the country will prosper.
Government should empower both BIH and BIUST.
