Rural innovation assessment toolbox (RIAT): final report of phases one and two: reflections on and lessons from the pilot study

Abstract

The study started with a thorough engagement with the current literature and a number of innovation expert. From this process the key concepts of innovation value chains, sub-national-space-bounded innovation systems and the social dynamics of innovation (and innovation systems) were adopted as guiding concepts for the development of instruments and methodologies to form part of the RIAT toolbox. Following the adoption of these guiding concepts, the scoping visits in each of the fours pilot RDMs (Mopani, Chris Hani, Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati and Umzinyathi) assisted the research team to construct an instrument as well as to consider other potential tools that could form valuable components of RIAT to ensure a complementary set of tools to provide the requirements indicated by the Department of Science and Technology. Three components or complementary tools for RIAT have been currently identified.