On Wednesday, February 12th, the Director of Science, Technology and Innovation in the Ministry of Education, Prof. Chomora Mikeka, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with the MAREN team at Nkopola, Mangochi. During the session, he emphasized on the importance of innovation and encouraged the team to draw inspiration from nature. He illustrated his point with a compelling example of the Warthog, which, when attacked by a Lion, utilizes multiple escape routes—an instinctive innovation designed for survival.

Prof. Mikeka posed a fundamental question to the team: Where does innovation come from? The team responded with three key insights. Innovation often emerges from challenges. When faced with a problem, individuals and organizations seek solutions, leading to new ideas and advancements. Curiosity also plays a crucial role, as a desire to understand, explore, and improve situations drives innovation. When one is eager to learn and challenge the status quo, breakthroughs happen. Additionally, nature serves as an inspiration, as observing and learning from its adaptability and self-defence mechanisms can spark ground-breaking innovations.

Building on these insights, Prof. Mikeka stressed that innovation thrives in environments of excellence. To create something truly innovative, one must strive for the highest standards. Resilience is also essential, as innovators must be prepared to face challenges and criticism. The path to innovation is rarely smooth, requiring perseverance and determination. Moreover, self-reliance is key; if an innovation faces financial or logistical hurdles, one must have the ability to adapt and sustain the idea independently.

As he concluded his session, Prof. Mikeka encouraged the MAREN team to integrate the P.E.S.T.E.L analysis when developing innovations. He underscored the importance of considering political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors. Understanding how government policies and regulations affect innovation, evaluating financial viability, considering societal needs and cultural influences, leveraging advancements in technology, ensuring sustainability, and complying with legal requirements are all crucial aspects of successful innovation.

The MAREN team expresses sincere gratitude to Prof. Mikeka for his invaluable insights and for igniting a spirit of innovation within each member. His session was not only inspiring but also a call to action for all of us to embrace creativity, resilience, and excellence in our pursuit of ground-breaking ideas.

“MAREN: one team, one vision, one victory”