UGBS Innovation Hub Trains Innovation Champions under the RISA-BRIInG Project

As part of the BRIInG project, the University of Ghana Innovation and Incubation Hub launched a three (3) days capacity building and training of “Innovation Champions”. This initiative aims to equip our key shareholders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and operate makerspaces, which serve as vital hubs for innovation and community development.

The training sessions is brought together participants from our seven beneficiary communities from various regions in Ghana, including Cape Coast, Kade, Tuobodom, Atimpoku, Takoradi, Jana and Dormaa-Ahenkro. The program was designed to address the unique needs of each community, ensuring that the training is both relevant and impactful.

The overarching goal of the training was to train participants on the operation and maintenance of the maker spaces to ensure sustainability of the BRIInG Project.

Amongst other things, participants learned about effective governance structures and leadership principles necessary for managing their respective makerspaces. The program also provided insights into sustainable financial practices, helping participants understand budgeting, resource allocation, and revenue generation and optimizing operations within the makerspaces to enhance productivity and service delivery.

The training for the first day was focused on Foundations of Innovation. Participants learned about the training's objectives and engaged in team bonding activities to foster trust and camaraderie. They explored Safeguarding Principles, focusing on consent, inclusivity, and sexual harassment prevention through role-playing scenarios. The day concluded with a session on Governance Principles and Structures, where participants discussed the significance of governance roles and decision-making in enhancing innovation.

Participants advanced into Day two, learning about Advanced Skills for Innovation. Participants focused on Advanced Financial Management, learning about break-even analysis and inventory management, literacy and resource management through a business simulation game and worked in groups to draft financial plans. Participants managed budgets, tracked income, and made strategic investment decisions, gaining practical skills in budgeting and financial planning. They recognized the importance of financial acumen in driving innovation and learned to balance short-term needs with long-term sustainability goals.

They had a session on Strategic Business Planning, emphasizing operational goals and standard operating procedures (SOPs). The day ended with a session on Market Development and Customer Engagement, where trainees practiced negotiation skills and learned to build market linkages.

The final day provided participants the opportunity to study on Location-Specific Training, Final Consolidation and Law and Compliance. Participants were engaged in the essential legal knowledge and practical skills to manage partnerships, draft clear contracts, ensure compliance, intellectual property, and protect their businesses from risks. The training ended with a Consolidation session, where participants recapped key learnings, finalized strategies, and celebrated their achievements with networking opportunities, emphasizing the importance of connections among innovation champions.

At the end of the training, participants gained a comprehensive understanding of governance, financial management, and market engagement, equipping them with the tools needed to drive innovation in their fields.

The training fostered connections among participants, creating a supportive network of innovation champions who could collaborate and share resources in the future.

This training has provided participants with valuable skills that can be applied to real-world problems in their communities, for a positive change and a more sustainable future.