Mpho Bogatsu

RIIS - Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability

RIIS (the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability) is a specialist Open Innovation firm, focused on facilitating and leading Open Innovation activity in Africa. With years of experience and a diverse client base, RIIS has delivered local, regional and international successes for both private and public sector organisations. We have established, and continue to maintain, the most successful actively facilitated Open Innovation platforms in Southern Africa, and have delivered well over 500 technology solutions to our clients. In addition, RIIS is a key player in the local innovation landscape, having been party to at least the following: • Founding member of the SA Innovation Network (SAINe); • Founder organisation for the SA Innovation Summit (the largest SA Innovation Event); • Member of the National Science and Technology Forum; • Pioneered the development of regional Open Innovation Platforms in South Africa, with operations in Gauteng (OpenIX Platform), the Eastern Cape (Connect + Solve platform); and • Open Innovation platform & community in South Africa – SOLEX™ with over 70 000 members Internationally, RIIS has a range of affiliations and achievements: • Established the first cross border OI platform across Namibia and Zambia (Regional Connect) • Part of the Global Alliance Network • Connected to the International Association of Science Parks