BY SIFISO NDWANDWE
In the realm of research and policy, Communities of Practise are the laboratories of innovation, where diverse minds converge to experiment, learn, and shape the future.
– Robert Thompson
Communities of Practise (CoPs) serve as vital connectors, bridging the worlds of businesses, practitioners, and researchers. In the last ten months, the Researchers, Policymakers, and Data Users Community of Practise (CoP) has been actively working to tackle the shared challenges faced by business owners, practitioners, and researchers alike. This article endeavours to provide a succinct overview of the CoP’s involvement, key activities, and the valuable insights generated throughout this period.
In the dynamic space of CoPs, partners within the ecosystem come together to find solutions. The primary objective is to nurture collaboration, share knowledge, and catalyse positive change within the entrepreneurial community. This article will shed some light on the journey of the CoP, highlighting its role as a hub for collective growth and innovation in the realms of research and policy.
The CoP’s monthly activities, including thematic webinars, workshops, and the publication of findings on the DigiBiz platform, have provided a structured platform for collaboration. The monthly networking and training events further enhance engagement, creating a vibrant community.
The diverse composition of the CoP ensured a rich exchange of ideas, with stakeholders from various sectors contributing to the collective knowledge pool.
The CoP has organised five workshops and two working group discussions on each addressing critical aspects of research implementation, digital infrastructure, and cost considerations. Notable achievements include the initiation of guidelines development and the exploration of potential research funding.
CoP Attendance

Role and Composition of Participants

Some Key Findings
1. Identification of Critical Research Themes: The CoP successfully identified critical research themes, including research implementation, digital infrastructure and cost, needs-based research, and small business participation in data gathering.
2. Initiation of Guidelines Development: Progress was made in initiating guidelines development during working group discussions, streamlining objectives, activities, outputs, and tasks related to research implementation and digital infrastructure.
3. Challenges in Research Funding: The CoP identified uncertainty surrounding funding for research projects as a recurring challenge, emphasising the need for clearer funding mechanisms.
4. Engagement with DSBD and Webinars: Successful engagement with the Department of Small Business Development (DSBD) showcased a commitment to knowledge-sharing, including a presentation on the National Integrated Skills Development (NISED) Masterplan.
5. Launch of the DigiBiz Survey: The launch of the DigiBiz survey demonstrated proactive efforts to gather insights and data on small businesses’ digital progression.
6. Compilation of Research Reports: The CoP gathered research reports on small businesses’ digital progression, contributing to the overall body of knowledge within the community.
7. Stalled Discussions and Identified Challenges: Transparent acknowledgement of stalled discussions, particularly concerning funding, highlighted the need for addressing challenges openly and collaboratively.
8. Diverse Themes Explored: Additional themes for exploration included challenges faced by SMMEs nationally, making research appealing to entrepreneurs, and ensuring the implementation of research recommendations without incentives.
9. Exploration of Data Technologies: The CoP explored data technologies such as Data Consortium, Data Warehousing, and Blockchain, showcasing a forward-looking approach.
10. Focus on Rural Access and Ecosystem Collaboration: Challenges related to rural access to technology and the need for ecosystem collaboration were highlighted, emphasising the CoP’s commitment to inclusivity.
11. Data Collection and Evidence-based Decision-making: Regrettably, the CoP had limited discussions on data collection and evidence-based decision-making in the South African ecosystem. However, the CoP’s potential role in emphasising the value of data collection is unmistakable. Looking ahead, the CoP’s potential role in emphasising the value of data collection, monitoring and evaluation, and evidence-based decision-making is unmistakable.
Several factors underscore this perspective:
- CoPs play a critical role in fostering collaboration among members and establishing centres of excellence for efficient data collection, sharing, and analysis.
- CoPs can facilitate the definition of key metrics and performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the impact of various programmes, interventions, and initiatives within the ecosystem.
- CoPs could emerge as key players in promoting evidence-based decision-making by encouraging members to base their decisions on reliable data and collective knowledge.
- CoPs can serve as platforms for training and capacity building, ensuring that community members possess the necessary skills for effective data collection and analysis.
By addressing these points, Communities of Practice are positioned to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of data-driven decision-making and knowledge management within organisations and ecosystems.
While the CoP faced challenges in funding research projects, progress was made with ambitious plans, including needs-based research and exploration of digital infrastructure costs. The CoP successfully hosted the DSBD, launched the DigiBiz survey, and compiled reports on small businesses’ digital progression.
In Conclusion
Communities of Practise are the catalysts of change, sparking the flames of collaboration that illuminate the path toward evidence-based policy decisions and transformative research outcomes.
– Brian Foster
To attract and retain relevant membership and enhance CoP outputs, a structured approach to funding research projects is needed. Collaborative efforts with institutions of higher learning, potential sponsors, exploration of alternative funding models, and a transparent framework for utilising research findings are essential. Addressing challenges in rural areas, exploring Web 3 technologies, and ensuring standardised data practises will contribute to the CoP’s long-term success.
As this CoP reflects on its ten-month journey, it stands at the intersection of transformative possibility and untapped potential. With resilience and determination, the CoP has forged valuable collaborations and produced insightful contributions. Addressing challenges and embracing emerging technologies will be pivotal for CoPs to continue to impact the research and policy-making community, ushering in a future marked by innovation and collaborative excellence.