Browsing by Author "Katire, Ferdinand"

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    The role of technical and vocational education and training institutions in the Namibian National System of Innovation : a case study of community skills development centres in the hospitality and tourism sectors
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Katire, Ferdinand; Ajam, Tania; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. School of Public Leadership.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Critical skills produced through Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) are expected to contribute significantly to Namibia’s transformation from a production-based economy into a knowledge economy by 2030. This research study thus examined the role of TVET institutions in the Namibian National System of Innovation (NSI). The study employed an exploratory case study method focusing on the role played by Community Skills Development Centres (COSDECs) in supporting and contributing to innovation in Namibia’s hospitality and tourism sectors. Semistructured interviews were conducted with participants from the COSDECs and the Community Skills Development Foundation (COSDEF) to seek their views on the role played by COSDECs. Further data was obtained by analysing the COSDEF’s Strategic Plan and other reports on COSDECs. Based on the literature review, a conceptual framework was developed to conceptualise and describe the role of COSDECs in supporting and promoting innovation in the hospitality and tourism sectors. The main constituents of the framework include enablers, innovative activities and outputs that contribute to stated outcomes. The findings and analysis thereof highlight the critical role played by COSDECs in various communities by providing critical skills to unemployed youth and previously disadvantaged groups to assist them in gaining meaningful employment and partaking in economic development activities. The study concludes that COSDECs and their trade programmes, particularly in hospitality and tourism, are not designed, focused or resourced to play a significant role in the NSI. A significant transformation is required for COSDECs and their programmes to drive and make meaningful contributions to innovation in their local ecosystems beyond the traditional vocational education and job training functions. The study concludes with national- and institutional-level recommendations, including the need for government and industry to collaborate to provide a range of in-house training facilities in COSDECs to enhance the delivery of the hospitality and tourism programmes. Furthermore, the study recommends developing and implementing specific action plans for innovation at the institutions.