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LeSSoNS gLeaNed froM INfuSINg INNovatIoN INto LoCaL eCoNoMIC deveLoPMeNt IN the vheMBe dIStrICt of South afrICa
Mathaulula, M.a.*
University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3790-2959
Nemutandani, a.
Vhembe District Municipality, Private Bag X5006, Thohoyandou, South Africa
Mushaphi, M.
Vhembe District Municipality, Private Bag X5006, Thohoyandou, South Africa
francis, j.
University of Venda, Private bag X5050, Thohoyandou, South Africa
Orcid: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8733-8009 *Correspondence: agnes.mathaulula@univen.ac.za
abstract
Despite the recognition of local economic development (LED) as a vital component of regional development, many communities face significant hurdles in implementing effective strategies. This study aimed to reflect on and share key insights gained from implementation of the Innovation Champions for Local Economic Development pilot project, launched in the Vhembe District, South Africa, in collaboration between the University of Venda’s Institute for Rural Development and the Local Economic Development Office of Vhembe District. A qualitative research design was employed, with a purposive sampling technique used to select 11 people who participated in the study. Data was collected through key informant interviews. Each participant deliberated on the question ‘What key lessons have you learned from integrating innovation into local economic development initiatives in the Vhembe District of South Africa?’. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. The lessons learned included the need for adopting a robust multistakeholder approach and engaging local communities through the application of participatory action research techniques, the private sector, government entities, and tertiary institutions to yield a cohesive ecosystem of innovation- driven LED. Although deep local knowledge was unearthed, resistance to change observed at the beginning frustrated implementation. Robust stakeholder analysis and adopting resilience-building mechanisms were crucial in countering resistance to change. Doubts with respect to the adequacy
of capacity to champion innovation-related work were addressed through persistent stakeholder mobilisation, education and awareness campaigns, conceptualisation workshops, and consensus-building. Capacity building, mainly in the form of co-designed workshops, was critical because it equipped facilitators and change agents with the skills needed to champion sustainable innovation- driven LED. Furthermore, the need for strong leadership to balance diverse expectations and maintain fruitful engagement was evident even when there were no financial incentives.
Keywords: capacity building, innovation, multi- stakeholder, leadership, participatory action research, Vhembe District
Introduction
The International Labour Organization (ILO) (2006) defines local economic development (LED) as a participatory development process that encourages partnership arrangements between the main private and public stakeholders of a defined territory, enabling the joint design and implementation of a common development strategy, by making use of the local resources and competitive advantage in a global context, with the final objective of creating decent jobs and stimulating economic activity. In recent years, the concept of LED has gained prominence as a means to enhance the economic well-being of communities at the grassroots level. In South Africa, a country marked by a history of inequality and spatial disparities, fostering LED has become crucial (Todes and Turok 2018; Makamo 2020). A critical factor that has emerged in this pursuit is the role of public participation, that is, the involvement of community members in decision-making processes that impact their local economies (Makamo 2020). The adoption of public participation in local government in South Africa emerged as a response to the profound inequities and injustices of the apartheid era, seeking to establish a more inclusive and democratic society. This transformative step aimed to integrate all societal sectors and ensure equitable access to essential services, positioning public participation as a cornerstone of South African local governance (Mpehle 2012; Khaile et al. 2021).
Local economic development (LED) has become a critical framework for fostering economic growth, job creation,
Proceedings of the conference on Public innovation, develoPment and sustainability | 177