Enterprise software company SAP has launched its first Africa-based Co-Innovation Lab in Johannesburg, with the aim of facilitating collaboration with local technology partners for heightened innovation.
SAP said the lab aims to drive greater efficiency and productivity on the African continent, with the goal of satisfying the demands of customers driven by digital transformation. In order to achieve this, the lab hopes to create a hands-on environment for partners to collaborate on current and future tech-based innovation.
“Not only is innovation key to survival in today’s economy, but the speed at which you are able to transform is becoming increasingly critical. Far too often, great ideas are lost. Consequently, businesses are looking for smarter, quicker and more efficient ways to innovate,” said Brett Parker, managing director of SAP Africa.
The Co-Innovation Lab will provide a suitable environment, relevant technology, and expertise, to assist partners in transforming good ideas into business-ready solutions quickly.
“Africa is a significant source of innovation with global relevance. We are confident that the introduction of the first African SAP Co-Innovation Lab, with its ability to enable and, tangibly showcase the innovation and inventions by Africans, for Africans, will enable us to continue to improve lives through practical solutions, increase skills development,” said Parker.
“Ultimately the goal is to contribute to job creation by stimulating and driving entrepreneurship across the continent.”
SAP operates a network of Co-Innovation Labs across the world, with labs in the US, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, India, Singapore, China, South Korea, and Japan.
