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University of Botswana Vice Chancellor, Professor David Norris, has called upon those with financial capital or financial muscle to invest in some of the innovations that the University continues to embark on.

Professor Norris made the call welcoming guests at this year’s University of Botswana Degree Show held the UB Campus Indoor Sports Centre on July 26, 2023. The Show is held annually as an exhibition that accords the University an opportunity to profile the high standards of design works that students undertake during the last two semesters of their degree programmes.

It showcases innovative prototypes, products and services designed and developed by final year Design and Technology and Industrial Design students. Most importantly, it offers designers and excellent networking environment with potential employers, investors and industry.

Consequently, held under the theme, Design & Enterprise Development: A key to economic diversification, the show speaks directly to the value that government attaches to innovation and entrepreneurship as a gateway to economic growth. Professor Norris observed that, even though some prototypes might not be ready for commercialisation, with few iterations and refinement they had potential to be readied for commercialisation.

“Though the innovations may not be of high tech, I am particularly happy that they hold potential to serve the needs of the SMMEs and resource challenged farmers,” said the Vice Chancellor.

Speaking on the backdrop of the University of Botswana having launched its Innovation Centre early this year and government’s mindset change campaign, Professor Norris underscored the need to understand the role of an institution of higher learning in enhancing or stimulating economic growth.

“Our young people are highly creative and with the right support they can certainly assist in the industrialisation of our country and beyond the borders of this country,” he reckoned.

To that end, he added that the University of Botswana has benefitted from the Department of Industrial Design in its cost reduction measures by entrusting learners with jobs that the university would have otherwise outsourced. Some of these include the UB Indoor Sports Centre stage, campus flags, the university exhibition stalls and the branding of some of the conferences hosted by the university. Professor Norris also highlighted that in an innovation economy, knowledge was applied together with innovation and entrepreneurship to drive economic growth hence the need for a new mindset.