Participating in a panel on the Creative Industry and e-Innovation during the MRIC Assises de la Recherche et de l’Innovation 2.0

On Friday 24 January 2025, I had the privilege of participating in a panel discussion titled “Creative Industry and e-Innovation” as part of the “Assises de la Recherche et de l’Innovation 2.0”, organized by the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council. The session focused on the theme “Unleashing the potential of the Mauritian creative sector with high-impact research and innovation”.

During the discussion, I highlighted the challenges of establishing a new major economic sector, particularly in terms of the quantity and quality of talent available, drawing parallels with the rise of the technology sector in the early 2000s. I explored how the global growth of jobs in the creative industry could create opportunities for Mauritius and its youth. Additionally, I addressed a critical issue: from an educational standpoint, how can we better equip our youth to be more creative and innovative, preparing them for the jobs of the future?

I also discussed the role of emerging technologies, such as virtual reality and artificial intelligence, in shaping the creative sector. However, I emphasized that while these technologies are important, building a sector require sound fundamentals. For instance, another panelist raised the example of the Mauritius Society of Authors (MASA) and its role in collecting and distributing royalties to artists. To make this process more efficient doesn’t necessarily require emerging technologies; instead, “boring” yet reliable technologies and effective execution, guided by methodologies like Design Thinking, can produce great results.

The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where I reiterated that creating a major economic sector requires alignment and collaboration among stakeholders at all levels, sharing a unified vision. I also stressed the importance of strong partnerships between the government and the private sector, from startups to established companies.

I would like to thank Prof. Theesan Bahorun, the Executive Director of the Mauritius Research and Innovation Council, and Dr. Aveeraj Peedoly, Research Officer, for inviting me to this insightful event. My thanks also goes to my fellow panelists, Dr. Drishty Ramdenee, Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin-Chabert, Nanda Narrainen, Nishtee Gopee, Vikram Boodhun, and Vrigesh Futta, as well as the moderator, Prof. Robin Nunkoo.