SU Policy Innovation Lab

🌟 At the Policy Innovation Lab, we believe in fostering a culture of collaboration, trust, and innovation! Here are our core values and practices that guide our work🧵:

👉Register for each session below: 1️⃣Making sense of AI → lnkd.in/dB-Gy_iv 2️⃣ AI policy landscape → lnkd.in/dZv8mv7V 3️⃣ Ethics & risks → lnkd.in/d4TjMXj6 4️⃣ AI in action → lnkd.in/dwSkGYTW Speakers: Prof. Fourie, Dr Makone & Dr Manicom

AI is transforming how governments think, decide & deliver. Are policymakers ready to lead that change? Join our 4-part webinar series “AI in Government” to learn how to use AI responsibly in policymaking. 🗓 24–27 Nov 2025 | 💻 MS Teams | 🎓 Free More info🧵🧵:

We’re excited that Prof. Willem Fourie will speak at IMPACT AI: DataFest Cape Town AI Focus Day this November! 🤖🎙️ He’ll share insights on “From Models to Markets: Driving Business Outcomes with AI.” 📍 4 Nov 2025 | Old Biscuit Mill, Cape Town 🔗 datafest.co.za/speakers/

2/ Over 3 years, #SDGi has advanced evidence-based policymaking in SA—supporting Cabinet, informing reforms, and embedding socio-economic impact assessment across government. As Phase 2 begins, we’re excited to explore how AI can further strengthen policymaking in SA and beyond!

🧵1/ This weekend, our team joined the @PresidencyZA and partners at the SDGi Transition Event at the Union Buildings in Pretoria 🇿🇦.

“AI tools should assist, not replace, human decision-making in all phases of policymaking.” — Prof Willem Fourie, @SUPolicyLab The workshop concluded with ideas for pilot projects testing AI tools in real policy contexts. 🌍 #AIforGood #PublicSectorInnovation

Hosted at @SUDataSchool, the session brought policymakers, researchers & AI experts together to explore how AI can: 🧠Strengthen evidence-based decisions 📊Analyse complex data 📈Identify policy trends & opportunities All while keeping humans firmly in the loop👥.

Can #AI help governments make better, faster, more inclusive policy decisions? 🇿🇦 That’s the question @SUPolicyLab explored with Google & The Presidency of South Africa at the AI for Policy: Co-designing Transformative Solutions workshop. Read more🔗: policyinnovationlab.sun.ac.za/google-and-pol…

5/ As we celebrate their contributions, we’re reminded that the Goalkeepers are more than project leaders — they’re catalysts of change, building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. #GoalkeepersSA #PolicyInnovationLab #SDGAction #YouthLeadership #InnovationForImpact

4/ Highlights include: ▶️ Projects linking academic research to entrepreneurship (SDG 8 & 17) ▶️ New nutrition startups tackling chronic disease (SDG 2 & 3) ▶️ Creative platforms empowering African youth to innovate (SDG 4 & 8) Real solutions. Real impact. 🌍 #SDGs #AIforGood

🧵 1/ 🌍 Inspiring, driven, and impact-focused! We were honoured to host the South Africa Goalkeepers Bootcamp, a space where young changemakers advance #SDG action across health, education, and innovation. Collaboration. Creativity. Community in action. 💡🤝

🔗 Read more: policyinnovationlab.sun.ac.za/goalkeepers-ch… #GoalkeepersSA #SDGs #InnovationForImpact #PolicyInnovationLab #GlobalGoals

🌍 Inspiring, driven, and impact-focused! We were honoured to host the South Africa Goalkeepers Bootcamp — a dynamic space where young changemakers advanced #SDG action across health, education, and innovation. Collaboration. Creativity. Community in action. More info🧵:

🔎 Key insights & lessons → explore the full report: linkedin.com/posts/su-polic… #PolicyInnovation #PolicyAdvice #GlobalSouth #ResponsibleAI #PublicPolicy

📢 New Report! How do governments in the Global South organise the systems that underpin policymaking? Our latest study compares Policy Advice Systems in 🇧🇷 Brazil, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇮🇳 India & 🇿🇦 South Africa, led by Dr Itai Makone. More Info🧵🧵:

🚀 We’re hiring a Postdoctoral Fellow! Join the Policy Innovation Lab @StellenboschUni for 18 months to apply AI & Data Science in real policymaking contexts. 📍 Stellenbosch, SA 💰 R420k/year (tax-free) 🗓 Jan 2026 – Jun 2027 📩 Apply by 26 Oct 2025 → willemf@sun.ac.za

📢 Our September Monthly Snapshot is out! This edition spotlights our new Policy Advice Systems reports 🧐—exploring how 🇧🇷🇮🇳🇰🇪🇿🇦 strengthen the systems that power policymaking. 📬 Read here: lnkd.in/epMh37KB 📩 Subscribe for future editions!

Leaders from law, policy & tech stressed the need for inclusive, accountable, context-specific AI. We also launched the free FemAI e-learning platform! 👉 Read more: policyinnovationlab.sun.ac.za/webinar-examin… #AIpolicy #WomenInTech #EthicalAI #PolicyInnovationLab #GIZ #ArtificialIntelligence

Yesterday we co-hosted the #FemAI webinar with @WPLeadersOrg & @GizSouth: How can AI empower women across Africa & broaden participation? 🌍✨