The Global Innovation Index 2017, a report published by Cornell University, INSEAD, and the World Intellectual Property Organisation, ranks Uganda among the least innovative countries in the world.
Uganda is ranked number 102 out of 127 countries in the world that innovate in institutions, business, marketing, infrastructure, knowledge & technology, creative outputs and human capital and research.
However, brainchild Burson-Marsteller, Uganda’s most-awarded public relations agency; NBS TV, the fastest growing TV station; EasyTicket, an online and mobile ticketing solutions provider, and Riley Media believe this trend can be changed.
They have injected Shs 440 million into a pack of new thought leadership events to be held in Kampala, thrice a year.
The multi-faceted, interactive events will bring together business leaders, managers, policymakers, government technocrats and the media under one roof to discuss and demonstrate innovation in business, to drive strategic growth of businesses, and by extension, the economy.
“Through the Innovation Series, brainchild Burson-Marsteller and partners seek to bridge the current innovation gap in the country by inspiring business owners to invent and seek new solutions to their challenges and those of their consumers,” said Walter Wafula, Business Unit Head-PR, brainchild Burson-Marsteller.
The inaugural brainchild Burson-Marsteller Innovation Series is slated for September 13 at Hotel Africana in Kampala. It will focus on innovation in product packaging under the theme; Packaging Products for the 21st Century Consumer.
The keynote speaker at the first event will be Helen Too, the Marketing Operations Director, Tetra Pack East Africa.
“For many businesses in Uganda, delivering high quality products in world-class packaging, to the final consumer remains a big challenge and yet a number of solutions exist among us. Our first Innovation Series event will help combat the current challenge in this space by providing practical solutions to business owners and managers,” Wafula said.
Pamela Adongo, NBS TV’s Chief Marketing Officer, who was represented by Edwin Danze, the Digital Marketing Manager, commented, “We are pleased to join hands with brainchild Burson-Marsteller to spur innovation in our market because it’s a catalyst for business growth and economic development. We have no doubt that the Innovation Series will significantly impact how entrepreneurs and managers treat their businesses.”
NBS TV, she noted, has committed up to Shs 360 million towards this event over the next three years because it’s an excellent knowledge sharing and learning platform for entrepreneurs in Uganda.
“We are excited to be the tickets solutions provider for the Innovation Series by brainchild Burson-Marsteller. We commit to ensure that every participant accesses his or her ticket by simply dialling *210# and entering the code 08783,” said John Masembe, the director EasyTicket Limited.
The event which has also attracted support of Centenary Bank, Vacker Company, Riley Media and EasyTicket, is expected to gather up to 300 attendees and renowned speakers from East Africa’s leading packaging firms.
