Linking Universities and Marginalised Communities

South African case studies of innovation focused on livelihoods in informal settings Linking Universities and marginalised communities examines how South African universities engage with the informal sector in marginalised communities to improve livelihoods through inclusive innovation. The knowledge imperatives of universities are explored in relation to the public good and social justice, and the roles of innovation and technology transfer. Case studies provide examples of coherence between teaching, research, innovation and community engagement, and illustrate the enablers and constraints to such interaction. These insights find policy application in the spheres of higher education, science and technology, and economic development. The analysis also provides lessons for innovation studies, pointing out the need to refine the notion of innovation so that it may be more appropriate for the developmental challenges of countries such as South Africa.

List of figures
List of tables
Acronyms and abbreviations
Acknowledgements
The UNIID Africa Project
Introduction

1. Building on an Innovation for Inclusive Development agenda
An emerging research literature
Setting an IID research agenda
Extending research on academic interaction
Innovation. marginalisation and inclusive development
University�industry�community interaction

2. A multiple-case-study methodology
Identifying cases of interaction
Case study design and fieldwork
Interviews as the core methodology
The case study analysis

3. The South African higher education context
The contours of the higher education system
Mapping patterns of interaction
Contextualising the potential for innovation-oriented to inclusive development

4. Upgrading the capabilities of women in an informal clothing enterprise: the interaction between a
university of technology and an NGO-led social enterprise
A women�s sewing collective and social enterprise supported by structured interaction with a
university of technology
Overview of the engagement: a university�community strategic partnership focused on innovation and skills development
The structure of interaction
Organisational arrangements and interface structures
Drivers of interaction
Innovation
Knowledge and skills
Community participation
Outcomes and benefits
An alternative case: It�s new because we are the ones now manufacturing it
Conclusion

5. Protecting the livelihoods of a marginalised fishing community through interaction with a research university
Sustainable traditional artisanal fishing practices: a fragile livelihood supported by knowledge,research and social innovation
Overview of the interaction: a dynamic long-term partnership
The structure of interaction
Organisational arrangements and interface structures
Drivers of interaction
Innovation
Knowledge and skills
Community participation
Outcomes and benefits
Conclusion

6. Re-introducing indigenous cattle breeds to improve rural livelihoods at a rural university
Pastoral livelihoods in rural South Africa: a critical resource for marginalised communities
Overview of the interaction: a long-term partnership to reclaim indigenous cattle breeds for rural farmers
The structure of interaction
Organisational arrangements and interface structures
Drivers of interaction
Innovation
Knowledge and skills
Community participation
Outcomes and benefits
A contrast case: misalignment with markets in a rural innovation hub
Conclusion

7. Innovative solutions for sustainable urban settlements at a comprehensive university
Action research into sustainable urban settlements: a participative response to a national priority and the needs of a local community
Overview of the interaction
The structure of interaction
Interface structures
Drivers of interaction
Innovation
Knowledge and skills
Community participation
Outcomes and benefits
Conclusion

8. Enablers and constraints on innovation to enhance livelihoods in informal settings
Two broad patterns of interaction
Innovation by and for marginalised groups in informal settings
Enablers and constraints

9. Conclusion: reflections on universities and innovation for inclusive development
Critical questions about universities and innovation for inclusive development
How do we encourage universities and their academics to extend their scholarship to the benefit of marginalised communities?
Researching universities in innovation for inclusive development

References

About the authors

Index