Page 208 - UKZN MIMI Report 2025

4.3 Construct C: Individual Innovation behaviour
This section presents results for Construct C of MIMI: Individual Innovation Behaviour. Table 4 displays the scores for Construct C for the Nkomazi Local Municipality in comparison to the national average. The average score for Nkomazi was 2, which is one lower than the national average. The municipality scored 2 in idea screening, knowledge management, knowledge use and networking behaviour. A score of 3 was recorded for innovation behaviour.
Table 250. Construct C: Individual innovation behaviour
4.4 MIMI Maturity Level for the Nkomazi Local Municipality
Table 5 shows the MIMI Maturity Level for the Nkomazi Local Municipality. The municipality obtained an Innovation Maturity Level of 2. According to the MIMI framework, an index of 2 implies that innovation is defined. Officials understand innovation principles and innovation strategies are in place, but there is little, if any, evidence of innovation implementation. At Level 2, officials in this municipality understand innovation principles and innovation strategies are somehow in place, but there is little, if any, evidence of innovation implementation. The municipality shows evidence of somewhat defined processes, some level of awareness and understanding of innovation. It has some defined, processes for innovation, performance measurements, rules and procedures and resources. There is some evidence of infrastructure and financial resources, there is little evidence for collaboration or flow of ideas. There is little evidence that officials are actively involved in innovation, technology projects are not tested and piloted. The municipality somehow understands and actively looks for innovative solutions. The municipality has little to no systems and business processes to record, store and retrieve knowledge. There is little to no evidence that knowledge is used to develop new practices and service delivery approaches. Innovation is supported is to a very limited extent at the leadership level.
Table 251. MIMI Maturity levels in Nkomazi Local Municipality
Table 6 presents the MIMI Maturity Levels across all participating municipalities. Innovation is defined. Officials understand innovation principles and innovation strategies are in place, but there is little, if any evidence of innovation. On average, the Nkomazi Local Municipality performed like most municipalities. For example, the maturity level 2 was equal to the average maturity level of 2 nationally.
5. Conclusion
The Nkomazi Local Municipality scored an average maturity level of 2. Innovation is defined. Officials understand innovation principles and innovation strategies are in place, but there is little, if any evidence of innovation. The municipality was consistently ranked equal to the most municipalities that participated in MIMI. To progress to higher maturity levels, the municipality should aim to improve on items in which it scored the same points as the national average.
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MUNICIPAL INNOVATION MATURITY INDEX (MIMI)