RATIONALE

Overtime, innovation has undoubtedly become synonymous with the narrative about public sector reform and transformation. This is largely due to a global realisation that governments need to innovate to deliver services effectively. Here in South Africa the work that the Centre is doing contributes to the creation of an innovative, solution-focused, effective and efficient public sector through innovation.

As we work towards building a professional, ethical public sector, innovation takes a centre stage in transforming the Public Sector. Furthermore, it is a catalyst to improve service delivery. Above all, it has become a foundation for a capable developmental state that focuses on the eradication of poverty, unemployment and inequality by 2030 as per the NDP.

With 2030 within sight and, despite the progress that we have made regarding Vision 2030 and the SDG’s, it becomes more compelling that we carefully assess our progress over the years

The true nature and extent of influence of innovation on the Public Sector, can only be judged on its overall impact. That impact should, in turn, manifest in real evidence from new and improved operational models, methods and ‘approaches’ in doing things as well as innovative solutions and their efficacy in:

• Putting the country on a developmental trajectory towards rapid sustainable, inclusive growth and development as envisaged in the National Development Plan;
• Hasten our climb up the Achilles Hill of poverty alleviation, growing unemployment and inequality by 2030 and achieving both Vision 2030 of the NDP and the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s) within the remaining few years.