Policy Innovation Lab participates in the AI Opportunities Blitz
Participants of the AI Opportunities Blitz emphasize the importance of supporting policymakers in and through digital transformation.
New training equips policymakers with digital tools for smarter governance
The Policy Innovation Lab equips policymakers with digital skills to enhance evidence-based governance. A recent training covered AI, modelling, and citizen-generated data, fostering ethical and responsible decision-making. Participants praised the sessions’ practical approach to advancing data-driven policy insights.
Policy Innovation Lab facilitates meeting with IDOS to boost evidence-based policymaking in South Africa
The Policy Innovation Lab recently hosted a multistakeholder workshop with IDOS, a Germany-based global think tank, to enhance South Africa's policy advisory capacity. They shared strategies for evidence-based policymaking and overcoming challenges. The goal is to build an effective, independent approach supporting inclusive and sustainable development.
Policy Innovation Lab strengthens policy costing skills with new training
The Policy Innovation Lab recently facilitated an online Policy Costing Refresher Course, equipping policy makers with up-to-date knowledge and expertise to make more informed, evidence-based decisions that align with global best practices.
Lab team member invited to discuss COP29 hosted on OFM’s Business Hour
The Lab's Monique Bennett recently discussed COP29 in Baku, the "Finance COP" aiming to mobilise $1 trillion for emerging economies on OFM. Azerbaijan's dual role as climate contributor and victim highlights the challenges that fossil fuel-dependent nations face in aligning economic goals with climate commitments.
Policy Innovation Lab in dialogue on the changing nature of development aid
Prof. Willem Fourie participated in a dialogue at ODI on reframing development aid in a post-aid world, addressing the trust deficit, evolving aid narratives, and building equitable partnerships between Northern and Southern actors.
Big data for smarter policy decisions
Learn how SU's Policy Innovation Lab is strengthening policymaking with AI – developing new tools, strategies and collaborations to fast-track SDG achievements in South Africa and beyond.
Reflecting on the Goalkeepers 2024 event: Breaking the cycle of malnutrition through innovation
The Goalkeepers 2024 event ignited a powerful call to action against malnutrition. With groundbreaking innovations and inspiring stories, the global community came together to push forward health solutions that will shape a more prosperous and equitable future.
Lab participates in SDSCT’s 5th hackathon
The Policy Innovation Lab recently participated in the School of Data Science and Computational Thinking's hackathon "Patch Perfect: Using AI to fix roads", which challenged participants to build AI models for predicting the repair needs of potholes in South Africa.
Prof Willem Fourie appointed as inaugural Chair of Policy Innovation
Stellenbosch University has appointed Prof Willem Fourie as the inaugural Chair of Policy Innovation at the School for Data Science and Computational Thinking. The Chair will create a platform for high-impact and societally-relevant research on the application and governance of data science tools to enhance policymaking in South Africa.
New GSMA report highlights AI’s potential economic impact in Africa
The GSMA has released a new report highlighting AI's potential to boost Africa's economy by $2.9 trillion by 2030, significantly advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. Focusing on Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, it analyzes over 90 use cases in agriculture, food security, energy, and climate action, and examines the maturity of AI ecosystems.
Policy Innovation Lab releases briefing note on digital transformation in the public sector
The Policy Innovation Lab has released a briefing note proposing a framework for digital transformation in South Africa's public sector.
Policy Innovation Lab releases detailed comparison of ANC, DA, EFF and MK Party manifestos
The Policy Innovation Lab has released one of the most comprehensive analysis of convergence and divergence in the manifestos of the ANC, DA, EFF and MK Party.
How South Africa’s new government could approach digital transformation
We analysed how South Africa's political parties intend to approach digital transformation.
How AI is impacting policy processes and outcomes in Africa
A look at some of the challenges and opportunities AI presents in the African public sector.
How AI might solve protest issues
We look at recent protests in South Africa and how AI can be used to solve the protester's issues.
Dr Itai Makone at INGSA 2024 in Kigali
Dr Itai Makone from the Policy Innovation Lab participated in the INGSA 2024 conference in Kigali, discussing the importance of scientific advice in policymaking.
Insights from the 2024 AI index
The seventh edition of the AI Index produced by Stanford University provides useful guideposts for understanding the impact of AI on society.
SU’s Policy Innovation Lab a first in Africa
Stellenbosch University, through a partnership with the Presidency, the German government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, recently officially launched Africa's first Policy Innovation Lab.
Policy Innovation Lab the newest member of Cluster of Research Excellence
The Policy Innovation Lab has recently joined the ARUA-Guild Cluster of Research Excellence on the politics of sustainable development.
AI can be democracy’s ally, but not if it works for Big Tech
Kennedy School Adjunct Lecturer in Public Policy Bruce Schneier says artificial intelligence has the potential to transform the democratic process in ways that could be good, bad, and potentially mind-boggling.
Generative AI for the Public Sector: From Opportunities to Value
The new tools of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) are fundamentally changing the nature of knowledge work, creating promising opportunities to significantly increase productivity and spur innovation across entire economies.
How to navigate global trends in Artificial Intelligence regulation
AI’s potential to create positive human impact will depend on a responsible, human-centered approach that focuses on creating value for all.
