Background

 The Technology Executive Committee’s (TEC) is the policy body of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism, established by COP16 in 2010 to facilitate enhanced action on technology development and transfer in support mitigation and adaptation. The TEC works in close collaboration with the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN), the implementation arm of the Technology Mechanism.

Under its rolling workplan for 2023–2027, the TEC works on National Systems of Innovation (NSI) responding to guidance by Parties and the latest IPCC findings. The NSI is also one of the common areas of work under the joint work programme of the UNFCCC Technology Mechanism for 2023–2027. A National system of innovation is a key element to building a strong innovation system that can help countries to enhance innovation and technology development and transfer.

The TEC has produced a summary for policymakers and targeted stakeholders, which was presented at the Climate Dialogues in June. Additionally, there will be a compilation of good practices and lessons learned on the setup and implementation of NSIs, which will be shared as a set of six publications featuring case studies. The launch of these publications is scheduled for the third quarter of 2023. The summary for policy makers outlines key findings, while the compilation offers more detailed analysis.

Furthermore, as part of its work in this activity, the TEC plans to organize regional events to present and discuss the findings from the NSI compilation.

Objectives

The aim of this dialogue is to bring relevant stakeholders together to discuss national systems of innovation. In particular, the dialogue aims to:
    1) Present and discuss the summary for policymakers and the compilation of good practices and lessons learned on the setup and implementation of NSIs, at regional level;
    2) Raise awareness of the key findings of the compilation of good practices and lessons learned on the setup and implementation of NSIs;
    3) Showcase concrete lessons learned and good practices from case studies in Africa on the measures taken to develop or strengthen national systems of innovation from diverse innovation system perspectives (national/sector/technology-focused) to assist developing countries that are seeking to strengthen their NSIs in the context of climate action;
    4) Inform the TEC of the findings from the events to assist them in their decision-making regarding the Knowledge product on NSIs planned for 2025 in the TEC rolling work plan;
    5) Provide a discussion forum for regional stakeholders to identify potential future collaborations among government, private sector, and academia for setting up, implementing and enhancing NSIs in Africa.

12:30 - 12:35 | Welcome and opening 
Welcoming remarks: Monique Motty, TEC
Moderator: Dietram Oppelt, TEC

12:35 - 12:45 | Steps to analyse NSI and establishing NSI
Ariesta Ningrum, UNFCCC

12:45 - 12:55 | Scene setting: A look at the region. Context of innovation in Africa
Neil Walmsley, Head of International Adaptation Programmes, EIT Climate-KIC

12:55 - 13:30 | Insights and experiences on system innovation in Africa 
•    Kenya Climate Innovation Center
Saumu Ismail, Program Team Lead-Productive Use of Solar Energy Program, Kenya Climate Innovation Center
•    Green cities initiative
Liva Kaugure, Natural Resources Officer, Office of Climate Change, Biodiversity and Environment, Kenya Representation, FAO
•    Connecting investors to innovative climate projects in Sub-Saharan Africa
Diana Gichaga, Managing Partner in Private Equity Support and Advisor, PFAN-UNIDO
•    NSI in South Africa
Henry J. Roman (PhD), Environmental Services and Technologies Director, Department of Science and Innovation, Government of South Africa

13:30 - 14:25| Panel discussion: Driving innovation at the national level 

14:25 - 14:30 | Wrap up & Closing
Omedi Jura, CTCN Advisory Board