Disruptive technologies - an innovations system approach

BEAM Grab the Mic webinar

Date: Thursday 12 September 2019, 1pm UK time, (Time zone converter)

Speakers: Marcus Jenal, Decision Support Unit / Meredith Baker, Country Director DRC, Viamo and Lucine Le Moal, ELAN RDC Team Leader

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This webinar will share the findings from the study Disruptive Technologies for Private Sector Development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo along with knowledge gained about the effective use of technology in DFID’s PSD programme in the DRC . 

Marcus Jenal, co-author of the study, will present its findings.
Meredith Baker, ELAN RDC delivery partner, will present a case study of using mobile technology for financial education and business development services in the DRC. 
Lucine Le Moal, ELAN RDC Team Leader, will talk about their introduction of solar lamp technology in the DRC.

New technologies are often seen as a quick fix for some of the most difficult market systems challenges. The potential of emerging technologies – such as artificial intelligence, 3D printing or blockchain – is certainly exciting. However, we need to take a step back and look at the wider context before we look to transplant the latest innovation. 

The presenters will discuss why we should not expect to cut and paste technologies from one context to another. We need to look carefully at the network of interconnected support that allows technologies to function in a new context - and think about how such ‘innovation systems’ can be strengthened. 

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Additional Information:

• Read the paper: Disruptive technologies for private sector development in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Read Marcus Jenal's blog: System failure: why a ‘cut and paste’ approach to tech isn’t working