We are bombarded daily with messages about technological disruption, including the advances in AI and automation that lie ahead for workplaces, workers and infrastructure. It is often hard to decipher the implications for our work, key industries, and society. At the same time, indicators of South Africa’s innovation performance and longer-term technological capabilities show a concerning downward trend. But we don’t need the statistics to tell us what we can see when we visit companies or workplaces. In almost every sector, a handful of companies are thriving by being innovative. In contrast, a large group of companies appear to lag technology and innovation trends. In many sector strategies and industry action plans, technology is treated generically. The result is that those who can, innovate; and those who can’t, fall further behind.
This course will focus on the factors that shape our industries' ability to learn about new technology and the ecosystem that supports innovators. It will help participants to discern the noise from the signal and equip them to help industries or other stakeholders better observe, anticipate and strategically respond to technological change opportunities.
Course Faciltator: Dr Shawn Cunningham, project leader of the Technological Change and Innovation System Observatory implemented by TIPS.
Date: 17 & 18 February 2026
Venue: TIPS Office: 234 Lange Street Nieuw Muckleneuk Pretoria
Cost: R7000 (Including VAT) per delegate
For more information contact Rozale Sewduth at Rozale@tips.org.za
For more information on the TIPS Technological Change and Innovation System Observatory visit: https://www.tips.org.za/projects/technological-change-and-innovation-system-observatory
For more information on the training workshop download the brochure.