In light of T&T’s current state of economy, studies in innovation and animation are needed to guide Government in realising its efforts to diversify the economy.
So said Ashram Deoraj, director— Teachers Supervision and Management, Ministry of Education, who delivered remarks on behalf of the Minister in the Ministry of Education, Lovell Francis, at the launch of the Sectoral Innovation Mapping (SIM) of the Animation Industry in T&T held at the Hilton Trinidad and Conference Centre in Port-of-Spain last Friday.
“As you would know, the current volatility in the price of oil and gas suggests that it is not prudent to put all eggs in one basket.
“We need to expand the economic base for our country’s survival, and in light of this, I think the conduct of this research and the selection of non-energy industries like animation, a strategic services sector, gives us in Government a comprehensive understanding of viable economic alternatives to generate income and employment,” Deoraj said.
Congratulating the National Institute for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (Niherst) for paving the way to undertake a research exercise of this nature, Deoraj said this type of research using SIM as the research instrument was not new to the world, but rather new to the conduct of research in T&T. Describing animation as a US billion dollar industry, he said it was also one of the fastest growing industries globally.
He said, “Traditionally, the industry is placed under the creative industries umbrella. In this SIM study however, animation is identified as a strategic industry of the ICT sector.
“This, too, makes perfect sense. ICT, yes, is an enabler, but for animation, this particular industry, ICT I believe is most definitely the key driver in every aspect of this industry’s growth and development,” Deodaj added.
He said such an industry was truly ideal for unleashing the creative genius of T&T’s people as it provided an opportunity to showcase talents and Caribbean culture.
“I think the animation industry has an opportunity to promote a brand or a style that is unique to Trinbagonian culture and, more generally, Caribbean culture.
“I am sure the audience here will agree with me that animation provides a platform to create a Caribbean identity where storylines and characters would reflect the attitudes, the values and the ideas of our Caribbean people,” Deoraj said.
Niherst’s president, Sylvia Lalla, who also spoke, said the institute was in its 32nd year of existence.
“In the absence of a board of governors it is incumbent on my management team under my leadership to forge ahead with the business of Niherst.
“Currently, a top priority is to undertake a review of our programmes and projects ensuring that all are aligned to the national agenda and, moreover, to our mandate as outlined in the original Niherst Act of 1980,” Lalla said.
About SIM
Sectoral Innovation Mapping, commonly known as SIM, is not a new research tool. Internationally, SIMs have been used in developed and developing countries not only to uncover the challenges to innovation but also to highlight the intensity and types of interactions linking the actors in the specific industry under review. A SIM study is based on the premise that strengthening the role and linkages among actors will positively influence the performance and competitiveness of innovative firms.
The research approach for the SIM is inclusive, involving extensive consultation with a significant sample of stakeholders in industry. Specifically for the Animation SIM, the methods deployed for collecting data include both preliminary and primary research, particularly a review of the available and accessible literature on the sector, the conduct of one-on-one interviews with public and private sectors stakeholders, as well as, academia, discussions via telephone, the exchange of electronic correspondence and networking at animation industry events.
The findings of these micro-level studies add to the national research resource pool.
The results help to inform and support evidence-based decision making.