Towards an inclusive measurement programme for innovation in the informal sector of South Africa

Abstract

In an attempt to balance the policy discussion, it is our goal in this chapter to put forward a proposal for such a measurement programme, including a tool that is standardised to the context, and share the lessons we have learnt in implementing a survey of innovation in the informal sector. The chapter firstly provides a brief overview of the history of innovation measurement with a focus on South Africa. It then goes on to discuss what would constitute a measurement programme for the informal sector in the ???What constitutes a measurement programme for the informal sectors??? section. The fourth section describes the proposal for measuring innovation in the informal sector, based on our experimentation with a novel methodology and our attempts at developing a standardised tool for the South African context. We also identify ways to begin to build the necessary institutional infrastructure. The chapter concludes with some recommendations for advancing a suitable measurement programme for innovation that includes the informal sector, as a complement to the well-established programmes for research and development (R&D) and innovation in formal businesses.