Research
Student exchange opens students’ eyes to international entrepreneurship trends
The International Student Exchange Programme is an initiative of Unisa’s Directorate of Innovation, Technology Transfer and Commercialisation (DITTC). It allows Unisa-registered students to visit, learn, inspire and be inspired by their peers at international universities.
Participants in the 2022 exchange programme were selected from the Unisa Innovation Challenge Programme winners, Research and Innovation Postgraduate Student Showcase and the Tshwane Inter-University Innovation Challenge.
The four international universities participating in the exchange programme were the University of Basel in Switzerland, the University of Rwanda (as part of the Swiss-Southern African Business Innovators network), the University of Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania and Michigan State University, USA.
Unisa students promoted their research and innovation work and participated in innovation and business plan competitions by presenting projects geared toward addressing some of Africa’s societal and socio-economic challenges.
Below, two postgraduate students, La-Portia Mahlangu-Matjila and Nomonde Huma, who were part of the 2022 International Exchange Programme, share their experiences.
UNISA Delegation at the University of Dar-es-Salaam Business School
From academic theory to practical implications
La-Portia Mahlangu-Matjila
La-Portia Mahlangu-Matjila was one of nine Unisa delegates who visited Tanzania’s University of Dar Es Salaam (UDSM) from 21 to 28 May 2022. She is a PhD student in Business Administration and Management.
“This visit created an ideal opportunity for me to be exposed to the research and innovation environment at the UDSM,” she says. “Our hosts prepared an exciting programme, and our visit coincided with their Research and Innovation (R&I) week. I am grateful for the opportunity because my needs, interests and expectations were met. It was a fruitful and educational visit for my field of study and my role as an administrative employee at Unisa.”
During the UDSM’s R&I week, the Unisa students interacted with fellow students, forged relationships and learned how their peers in Tanzania gathered data and knowledge for their research.
Key lessons learnt
“I have learnt how to identify what a country can produce by itself to contribute toward improving the domestic economy and the ability to export to the world,” says Mahlangu-Matjila.
“Furthermore, I have learnt the importance of research that analyses the gap between university graduates and the skills needs in the country. Universities should prepare graduates to be relevant in the market. This could be done through partnerships between businesses and universities.”
Mahlangu-Matjila says the strategic transformation agenda of a university should be directed toward developing students. “The visit helped shape my thoughts from academic theoretical thinking to obtaining entrepreneurial skills for practical implementation.”
Swiss visit shows the benefits of cutting-edge innovation
Nomonde Huma
Nomonde Huma, a BTech Civil and Structural Engineering student, was part of the group of Unisa students visiting Switzerland in central Europe.
After arriving in snowy Zurich on 3 April 2022, the 14 South African visitors met their hosts from the University of Basel and embarked on a journey of Swiss innovation, from inception of research topics and innovative ideas to the product stage.
Switzerland in the fast lane
“I was highly impressed with the transport system of Europe as they use all modes of transport,” says Huma. “Furthermore, Switzerland is technologically advanced; convenience stores and payments are digitised. The trams have built-in monitors so that visitor like me can quickly locate their destination and get off safely.”
She was impressed that public transport is available until midnight, with trams arriving at ten-minute intervals.
The five-day programme included visiting key institutions that showcased why Switzerland is a leading country in technology and innovation.
“The trip shaped my thinking on research by showing me that an idea can only be successful upon action. Building networks and seeing what like-minded individuals are doing can spark a new perspective on how you initially thought of an idea,” she says.
Huma says she learnt that technology need not be complicated – a simple concept can change a lot – but that it is crucial to develop various iterations of a product. This takes time but is well worth the effort.
Another key message that Huma took to heart was to think holistically. “Business thinking patterns should have a world view and not be focused only on patterns in my country of residence.”
UNISA and Brazil Delegation in St Gallen, Switzerland
Last modified: Wed Dec 20 12:11:17 SAST 2023