"Economic growth and sustainable development are dependent on all levels of society engaging in problem-solving and developing innovative solutions," she said yesterday, 30 May 2005, in a statement issued in support of the Innovation & Sustainability Awards 2005, which acknowledge public and private sector innovators.
"We all have a responsibility to ensure a better future for South Africa, to improve our competitive advantage, and to develop sustainable innovations which can help to drive economic growth," she said.
"Within Government, we encourage innovation among our own employees -- particularly those innovations that are people-centred and result in improved service delivery, better government, and a better life for all.
"Our current emphasis as Government on the implementation of policy requires the public sector to think more creatively about how we use limited resources, how we build effective partnerships - particularly with the private sector - and how we use new institutional forms to address service delivery challenges."
She said government was proud to be associated with the Innovation & Sustainability Awards, as they rewarded the entrepreneurial and creative spirit of South African innovators.
"For us, innovation is fundamentally about people - they generate ideas, suffer through the failures, and are the beneficiaries of the success stories. We want to make sure innovation is not seen as simply technology or academic papers which have little meaning to most South Africans.
"More importantly, we want to make sure that innovators receive due recognition for the pioneering work they are doing. It is because of this that we support the Innovation & Sustainability Awards, and encourage all innovative South Africans to submit their entries."
To encourage both "big" and "small" innovators, the awards organisers have made the application process as simple as possible: entry forms are available online at www.innovationawards.co.za, or your can call +27 11 579 4417.
