Voices Magazine Vol3 Issue 2

VOICES Bi-Monthly Magazine of the University of Technology, Jamaica | August - September 2019 28 UTech, Jamaica Researchers Showcase “Cases of Innovation in Jamaica” U niversity of Technology, Jamaica researchers from the Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership (JDSEEL), College of Business and Management and the Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies recently presented the findings of a research project titled “Cases of Innovation within Jamaica” at a ceremony on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the University’s Papine Campus. Dr Andrea Barrett, Lecturer, and Lead Researcher explained that the study was prompted by the need to highlight innovation in the Jamaican context. She noted that “disruptive innovations within the developing world are often not documented despite the impact that these products and services have had on many communities around the world.” The research team also comprised Dr Carol Nathan, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies, and Erica Donaldson, Lecturer, JDSEEL who presented six audio- visuals of four individuals and two organisations that were chosen for the research project based on their demonstration of various dimensions of innovation in the execution of business models and entrepreneurship. In the video presentation, the subjects of the study elaborated on their respective backgrounds and journeys in entrepreneurship, innovation and social enterprise. These comprised scientific and entrepreneurial innovators Dr. Henry Lowe, a scientist and researcher who has applied his scientific knowledge in the creation of internationally and locally sold products and services; Mrs. Valrie Grant, CEO of Geo-Tech and Marlie Technology Park, who has impacted Caribbean education through the application of various technological components in e-Learning programmes; Mr. Rodney Price (aka Bounty Killer), internationally acclaimed musician known for his innovative use of dub plates and his influence on dancehall and reggae, and Dr. Henley Morgan, social entrepreneur and CEO of Agency for Inner- City Renewal (AIR), a leader in seeking to influence the adoption of social enterprise legislation and the emergence of a social stock exchange (Jamaica Social Stock Exchange). The organisations represented were Honey Bun Limited and The Passport Immigration & Citizens Agency (PICA). Honey Bun Limited has applied innovative processes on its production line and taken a collaborative approach to international marketing of its products while PICA has integrated emerging technologies into its provision of services. Dr Barrett pointed out that the audio-visual presentation of the case studies was innovative in its own right, and was designed to showcase public and private examples of creativity by Jamaican economic and social entrepreneurs. The research is also targeted for use in various courses of study, and will be made available on UTech, Jamaica’s YouTube channel. Congratulating the research team were, Professor Colin Gyles, Deputy President and Dr. Paul Ivey, Associate Professor, School of Graduate Studies Research & Entrepreneurship (SGSRE). The JDSEEL study was funded by the Research Development Fund (RDF) managed by the SGSRE. Dr Cliff Riley, Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council (SRC), who brought greetings, praised the work of the research team and highlighted the importance of individual and informal innovation to the Jamaican economy. Mr. Rodney ‘Bounty Killer’ Price delighted the audience of entrepreneurship students, members of academic and administrative staff and members of the business community with a performance of his 1997 hit “Book Book Book.” Mr. Price urged students to do their best to succeed, advising that “people say education is the key, but I believe you are the key to your own success. You have to be motivated and go after what you want.” He also expressed appreciation to the JDSEEL research team for including him in the study. The programme was chaired by Mr. Nigel Cooper, Head of School, JDSEEL while the vote of thanks was moved by Dr. Carol Nathan. Mr. Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price (left), dancehall artiste and research participant, greets Dr Cliff Riley, Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council (SRC) at the Joan Duncan School of Entrepreneurship, Ethics and Leadership (JDSEEL) Research Presentation titled “Cases of Innovation within Jamaica” held on October 2, 2019 at Shared Facilities Building, UTech, Jamaica Papine Campus. Looking on are Dr Andrea Barrett, Lead Researcher and Lecturer, College of Business and Management, Mrs. Erica Donaldson, Researcher and Professor Colin Gyles, Deputy President, UTech, Ja. Dr Carol Nathan, Lecturer, Faculty of Education and Liberal Studies and research team member