Why is it important for innovation ecosystem representatives to think about inclusive innovation?
For an innovation to have a sustainable impact it is necessary for wide range of actors to come together. These representatives are the enablers of innovation ecosystem, and it is important that they prioritise inclusive innovation to develop an ecosystem that is more equitable. As representatives they are not only change makers but change leaders who could make inclusion the backbone of the entire ecosystem thereby promoting social and economic growth.
Barriers for inclusive innovation in the ecosystem.
There is inherent bias in the opportunity available when it comes to technology innovation as it focuses on bigger businesses than smaller ones.
Lack of access to business leaders regarding sources that provide extensive information regarding events to showcase their business, funding/business support to be innovative and by extension inclusive in its process.
Lack of support to different business in different stages of funding and business development.
Lack of equal access to fund different stages of business.
Lack of peer support in grant development, and role models to learn about innovation ecosystem to be inclusive.