Eckart’s Corner – Words from the Secretary General #3-2021

Dear members and friends of the Global Innovation Family,

The year is coming to an end, so it’s time for one last update before we enter the new year.

First of all, as many of you may already know, our dearest friend Mair Nesrul Zainal Abidin, familiarly known as Nesrul, passed away at the end of November – way too early. Like almost no one else, he was involved in WAITRO right from when SIRIM took over the Secretariat in 2002. Even after the transition to the current Secretariat, he continued with his support and, whenever we had a question, he was always willing and able to help with his knowledge and insights. With his passing, WAITRO lost a faithful supporter and we, as the Global Innovation Family, lost a friend. If you knew Nesrul and would like to leave a memento or express your condolences, you can do it here.

Next, there have been changes in the WAITRO Office Germany: Anna Wohlrab, whom many of you know due to her intense involvement, especially in capacity development and communication with the RFPs, is leaving our team by the end of January. We regret very much that she is leaving and wish her all the best. Same goes to Johanna Engelbach, who supported us mainly in graphic design for more than a year and left our team by the end of November. All the best to both of you!

I also would like to take the opportunity to remind you of the Capacity Development Survey. Currently, we are collecting the needs from our members in order to tailor the Capacity Development to be offered by the WAITRO Secretariat next year. If you are interested in a particular topic that is attractive for you, please don’t hesitate to fill out the survey.

Another opportunity is the Open Call by the African European Digital Innovation Bridge (AEDIB). It will establish twelve Digital Innovation Hubs in Africa and is looking for consortia of at least two partners. If you are located in Africa and are interested in the call, please have a look.

You might also be interested in the finalists for the WAITRO Innovation Award 2021. Five teams will pitch online in the finals for the Award in late January. We will keep you posted.

I am glad to announce that more new members joined WAITRO since my last message, we have now reached 120 members. A hearty welcome to all new members! You find a list of all WAITRO members here.

Last but not least, I want to send all of you my best season’s greetings and the best wishes for a happy and healthy new year!

Please stay safe,

Eckart