‘What does innovation look like in the Pacific and how can we better support the ecosystem?

A workshop conducted in May 2019 at the UNDP-USP Innovation Hub by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the University of the South Pacific (USP) and Scaling Frontier Innovation (SFI) – a DFAT initiative – aimed at answering these questions. Engaging young entrepreneurs and start-ups, researchers and students, ecosystem partners and community groups, the event included panel discussions and interactive sessions. The participants mapped out the current ecosystem, identified main challenges and support services available.

Five groups came up with new concepts to represent their vision of innovation and ways forward to achieve sustainable and inclusive progress:

• Peace Talanoa
• Sustainable Entrepreneur Development Goals
• Vakamau
• Regional Movement
• Inclusive Innovation Festival

The following report presents an overview and main findings of the workshop.