Learning

Lessons from Malawi RIU 2009 Annual Report: the right systems need to be in place to trigger demand for research outputs.

The early lessons - up to March 2009 - from Malawi RIU fall into five areas:

• Getting new knowledge and technologies into use
• Strengthening in the capacity of the National Innovation Systems or sub-systems
• Influences on policy
• Partnerships and linkages into national and regaional process
• Communication outputs that link so wider audiences

Area	Lesson
Getting new knowledge and technologies into use	The right systems need to be in place to trigger demand for research outputs. The RNRRS research outputs need to be demystified to make them well understood by the platform and other stakeholders - they are currently opting for other locally generated research.
Strengthening in the capacity of the national innovation systems or sub-systems	The National Innovation Coalition should evolve based on individuals' interests and commitments - people not committed should be allowed to drop out. The people elected as Platform Champions should automatically be on the National Innovation Coalition to link the work together. Platform Champions from the private sector are more active and effective than those from the public sector. The Platform Facilitators affiliated to specific platforms are more active than those that are not.
Influences on policy	Innovation systems are a process. People now beginning to appreciate what innovation systems mean. The presence of local patron is key. The Innovation System approach takes time to establish and therefore impact on policy should be expected to be gradual.
Partnerships and linkages into national and regional process	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.
Communication outputs that link so wider audiences	Communications should be tailored to the platform to make a meaningful contribution to Malawi RIU.

It is important to manage expectations - RIU is perceived as having a large pot of money to spend locally. The project found that RIU funds were released slowly and inconsistenly into Malawi RIU - which was problematic given that the programme has to deliver aspects of the work aligned with growing seasons or other externally set timetables. Better payment procedures need to be developed.

Early lessons from the Cotton Innovation Platform (2008/09)

• The National Innovation Coalition should evolve based on individuals' interests and commitments - people not committed should be allowed to drop out.
• From March 2009 Annual Report The people elected as Platform Champions should automatically be on the National Innovation Coalition to link the work together.