As Africa industrializes, we are also urbanizing. However, both activities have historically led to a loss of green spaces and healthy physical environments. We intend to create models that enable BOTH/AND instead of either/or scenarios.
Here what Russo Mnene has to say:
The Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) is democratizing traditional business research by infusing participatory science methods, which prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and drive EcoTech innovation. This approach ensures that diverse stakeholders actively contribute to developing sustainable solutions, fostering transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the pursuit of resilient, eco-friendly technologies and practices.
What do you love about EcoChem Community Spaces?
Existing network
Ability to start something new
Live/work space concept
Transdisciplinary tech and community combination
Explaining EcoTech Community Spaces
CSTI’s model invites communities to present their challenges and needs, allowing the EcoTech team to develop targeted solutions. This approach democratizes science, ensuring that research is not only conducted for society but with society. We already have a stellar network of companies and non-profits working together to develop green transition construction pilots in Kenya and beyond.Â
We are now looking for consumers of the pilot products:
3D printed tech hubs and homes/offices with reduced emissions
Constructed wetlands for reduced energy and chemical water purification
Circular biochar manufacturers wanting to reduce heavy metals and toxic chemicals in the environment
Here’s how CSTI aligns its initiatives with key sustainable and social goals:
EcoTech Community Spaces:
Collaborative Hubs:Â Establishing community spaces where residents, researchers, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) can co-create innovative solutions.
Resource Sharing:Â Providing access to cutting-edge EcoTech tools and resources, enabling hands-on experimentation and learning.
Inviting SMEs to Collaborate:
Business Partnerships:Â Encouraging SMEs to partner with communities and researchers, leveraging their agility and innovation to address local sustainability challenges.
Knowledge Exchange:Â Facilitating workshops and events that promote the exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Community-Centered Research:
Participatory Science:Â Engaging community members in the research process, from identifying problems to testing and implementing solutions.
Local Impact:Â Ensuring that research outcomes directly benefit the community, addressing real-world issues and improving quality of life.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Alignment:
Environmental Stewardship:Â Focusing on projects that reduce carbon footprints, promote renewable energy, and enhance resource efficiency.
Social Equity:Â Prioritizing initiatives that enhance social well-being, promote inclusivity, and ensure equal access to EcoTech advancements.
By fostering collaboration between communities, researchers, and SMEs, CSTI champions a holistic approach to sustainability and innovation, creating resilient ecosystems that thrive on collective ingenuity and shared values.
We are looking for consumers with these profiles:
Ecotech Technician
Socio-Demographic Profile:
Age Range:Â Typically 20-40 years old.
Gender:Â Gender distribution varies, though there is a growing emphasis on increasing gender diversity in technical fields.
Location:Â Often employed in regions with significant investments in green technologies, such as urban centers, renewable energy hubs, and areas focused on sustainability.
Income Level:Â Entry to mid-level income, dependent on experience and specific industry.
Education:
Educational Background:Â Associate degree or technical diploma in renewable energy technology, environmental engineering, or related fields. Certifications in specific eco-technologies (e.g., solar PV installation, HVAC systems).
Skills:Â Practical skills in installation, maintenance, and repair of eco-tech systems. Basic understanding of environmental regulations and safety standards.
Roles in Building an EcoTech Community:
Governance Structure:
Operates under the supervision of project managers and engineers within the community determined governance framework.
Participates in technical working groups or committees focused on implementation.
Type of Manufacturing Activities:
Engages in the installation, maintenance, and repair of eco-friendly manufacturing systems and equipment.Â
Works on the assembly and optimization of local production technologies like 3D printers, CNC machines, and other digital fabrication tools.
Finance:
Manages the practical aspects of cost-effective deployment and maintenance of technologies.
Ensures efficient use of materials and resources to align with budget constraints.
Community Design Principles:
Implements sustainable practices in community infrastructure projects.
Provides technical support to community members and local businesses adopting eco-tech solutions.
Ecotech Practitioner
Socio-Demographic Profile:
Age Range:Â Typically 25-50 years old.
Gender:Â More balanced gender distribution, with efforts to include more women and underrepresented groups in environmental roles.
Location:Â Found in both urban and rural areas, with a presence in academia, governmental agencies, NGOs, and private sector firms.
Income Level:Â Mid-level income, varying based on sector and experience.
Education:
Educational Background: Bachelor’s or master’s degree in environmental science, sustainability, ecological engineering, or related fields.
Skills:Â In-depth knowledge of sustainable practices and eco-friendly technologies. Experience in project management, policy development, and community outreach.
Roles in Building an EcoTech Community:
Governance Structure:
Advises on sustainable practices and policies as part of planning and development boards.
Contributes to creating guidelines and standards for eco-tech integration.
Type of Manufacturing Activities:
Designs and oversees the implementation of sustainable manufacturing processes.
Promotes circular economy principles, ensuring waste reduction and resource efficiency.
Finance:
Develops proposals for funding eco-friendly initiatives and sustainable projects.
Manages budgets for green infrastructure and community projects.
Community Design Principles:
Advocates for inclusive and resilient community designs.
Educates and involves community members in sustainability initiatives.
Ecotech Entrepreneur
Socio-Demographic Profile:
Age Range:Â Typically 30-50 years old.
Gender:Â Increasingly diverse, though historically male-dominated. Efforts are being made to support women and minorities in entrepreneurship.
Location:Â Often based in innovation hubs, startup incubators, or regions with strong environmental policies.
Income Level:Â Varies widely; can range from moderate to high, depending on the success of the ventures.
Education:
Educational Background: Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, environmental science, or a related field; often supplemented by an MBA or entrepreneurship program.
Skills:Â Strong business acumen, leadership, and strategic planning abilities. Understanding of market trends, fundraising, and regulatory environments. Innovative thinking and problem-solving skills.
Roles in Building an EcoTech Community:
Governance Structure:
Participates in leadership councils or advisory boards to influence policy and strategic decisions.
Engages in public-private partnerships to advance sustainable development goals.
Type of Manufacturing Activities:
Innovates and scales up sustainable manufacturing businesses within the EcoTech Community Spaces.
Invests in and promotes new eco-friendly technologies and manufacturing methods.
Finance:
Secures venture capital and other funding sources for green startups.
Develops financial models and business plans that emphasize sustainability and profitability.
Community Design Principles:
Incorporates community needs and feedback into business strategies.
Fosters a culture of innovation and sustainability within the local economy.
Ecotech CEO
Socio-Demographic Profile:
Age Range:Â Typically 40-60 years old.
Gender:Â Traditionally male-dominated, but increasing efforts to diversify leadership roles.
Location:Â Based in headquarters of eco-tech companies, often in major cities or technology hubs.
Income Level:Â High income, including salary, bonuses, and stock options.
Education:
Educational Background: Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in business, environmental science, engineering, or related fields. Extensive experience in leadership roles within the eco-tech or related industries.
Skills:Â High-level strategic thinking, vision-setting, and decision-making capabilities. Strong communication and negotiation skills. Expertise in business development, scaling operations, and stakeholder management.
Roles in Building an EcoTech Community:
Governance Structure:
Leads strategic vision and overall governance for eco-tech initiatives.
Collaborates with government officials, business leaders, and other stakeholders to shape policies.
Type of Manufacturing Activities:
Oversees large-scale implementation of sustainable manufacturing practices.
Ensures alignment of company operations with EcoTech Community goals.
Finance:
Drives major investments in sustainable infrastructure and green technologies.
Manages the financial health of the organization to support long-term sustainability goals.
Community Design Principles:
Champions the integration of eco-friendly technologies in urban planning.
Advocates for equitable and inclusive community development, ensuring access to green technologies for all residents.
Imagine your legacy building and life long learning in an EcoTech Community space!
Summary
In building an EcoTech Community Space, each member/resident plays a distinct and vital part:
Ecotech Technicians focus on the hands-on aspects of implementing and maintaining green technologies.
Ecotech Practitioners guide and advise on best practices, ensuring sustainable designs and efficient processes.
Ecotech Entrepreneurs drive innovation and business development, bringing new technologies to market and fostering local economic growth.
Ecotech CEOs provide leadership and strategic vision, ensuring that their organizations contribute effectively to the overarching goals of sustainability and community well-being in the EcoTech Community.
