Prof Willem Fourie has been appointed as the inaugural Chair of Policy Innovation at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking at Stellenbosch University. The new Chair of Policy Innovation aims to create a platform for high-impact and societally-relevant research and will focus on the application and governance of data science tools to enhance policymaking in South Africa.
Policymaking is a complex endeavour requiring interdisciplinary approaches and novel research entities. Leading universities worldwide are increasingly exploring ‘policy innovation’ through interdisciplinary public policy approaches that leverage technology to enhance policymaking. Prof Fourie’s appointment aligns with this global trend, bringing together technical, political, institutional and psychological factors to improve policymaking in South Africa.
Prof Willem Fourie brings extensive experience and expertise to the Chair of Policy Innovation. With a background in the humanities and social sciences, Prof Fourie has deep expertise in public policy, which began with his doctorate at Stellenbosch University, focusing on philosophical and theological concepts underlying the interaction between religion and public policy. His research expanded to explore the role of ethics and later leadership in effective policymaking during his tenure as an Alexander von Humboldt Fellow at Humboldt University in Berlin and his time at the University of Pretoria.
Under Fourie’s leadership, a university-based data science team was developed and he co-founded a tech startup that uses artificial intelligence to analyse policy-relevant documents. His experience at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where he won the award for best newcomer in the Middle East and Africa, further deepened his knowledge of available technologies. Prof Fourie has collaborated with policymakers in the United Nations, African Union, European Union, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the South African government.
The Chair will build on the success of the Policy Innovation Lab, which Prof Fourie will continue to lead.