Innovation platforms

The Malawi RIU approach to innovations platforms is being considered by EU-CABI for their new coffee platform. Lessons from March 2009 Annual Report Innovation Systems approach creates an environment conducive to partnerships and coalitions. The platforms improve information flows along the value chain and the contributions and potential contributions are valued by the platform. Communications should be tailored to the platform to make a meaningful contribution.

Four Innovation Platforms are operational:

• Fish Farming Innovation Platform
• Cotton Innovation Platform
• Legumes Innovation Platform
• Livestock Innovation Platform

Up until the rationalisation of the programme in 2009 a Horticulture Innovation Platform also existed.

Seed money
Malawi RIU is aware of the need for development projects to have access to flexible funds. Often relatively small investments can make the difference between success and failure, so RIU Malawi has invested in seed funds. RIU makes a distinction between two different types of funding:

• Grants
  £30,000 per platform for goods and services necessary to unblock the blockages
• Fees
  £10,000 per platform for trainers and other specialist inputs, such as consultancy

The funds cannot be used for general development project activity. The rule is the funds will only be used as a catalyst for activities that can be continued by platform stakeholders on their own. Priorities are based on criteria - such as:

• seasonality of activities
• potential to unleash activities in follow-up actions
• consideration for the ceilings of seed money available to the platform

Accountability and transparency is vital so good governance arrangements are in place. The platform agrees the priorities for actions and puts forward a funding request to the National Innovation Coalition (NIC). Where a good case has been made the NIC authorises the investment.