The University of the South Pacific has incorporated innovation as a core part of the institute’s strategic plan.

USP Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Derrick Armstrong says this is to pave the way forward for the institute.

Professor Armstrong says this strategy will assist the institute forge networks with external stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

“So we decided to put this innovation strategy and strong element of it was working with commercial sector to look at the ways in which we could apply research findings, used for products and inventions and commercial developments”.

The strategy has enabled the institute to partner with the United Nations Development Programme with support from the Australian Government-Department of Foreign Affairs to establish an Innovation hub.

He adds this partnership will foster in-depth research on issues that evolves in the pacific.

“We wanted to really advocate as well for the important value of research to the pacific region in terms of this broader development agenda and meeting the needs of the people and governments of this region”.

Meanwhile, the institute will strengthen its innovation strategy on regional campuses as well.