Short Learning Programmes
- Science, Technology and Innovation for South Africa (STISA): This programme which is composed of ten modules and runs over three and a half months is designed to enhance the analytical and planning capacity of public servants within the DST and other state departments; the programme has been running since 2007. This programme was designed at the request of the DST specifically to endow its managerial staff with a solid grounding in the theory and application of the systems of innovation approach to economic planning. Thus far, two sessions have been taught with a total of 27 participants. Two other sessions are envisaged over 2009/2010. Thereafter, IERI plans to extend this programme to the relevant public sector institutions across sub-Saharan Africa as an accredited qualification.
- Short Learning Programme in Prospective Studies: Prospective Studies is concerned with futures and the means through which these are constructed. It seeks to understand what is likely to continue, what is likely to change, and what is novel and innovative. It is therefore trans-disciplinary and covers amongst others, the domains of philosophy, science, art and practice of postulating possible, probable, and preferable futures and the worldviews and myths that underlie them. The tools of Prospective Studies seek to generate a systematic and pattern-based understanding of past and present, and to determine the likelihood of future events and trends. This programme, which is being planned on the same structure as the STISA programme, will be offered in 2010.