How to Build a Better Innovation Ecosystem: Lessons from Botswana | Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon

What this episode covers

We often think of innovation as something inherently good — new technologies, sleek apps, disruptive ideas, and economic growth. But who actually benefits from innovation? And what gets erased in the process? In this episode, Alexandra speaks with Dr. Pierce Otlhogile-Gordon, a knowledge architect and social change educator based in Botswana, about the relationship between innovation, development, land, power, and cultural knowledge systems. Together, they unpack Botswana’s efforts to build an innovation economy beyond diamonds, while exploring larger questions around colonialism, intellectual property, indigenous knowledge systems, youth unemployment, and the politics of global development. Dr. Pierce shares how land, policy, history, and local knowledge shape what innovation can — and cannot — achieve; how national ambition meets lived reality; and what other countries, regions, and cities can learn from Botswana’s approach. Together, we explore: - How innovation is shaped by policy, history, and place - The opportunities and constraints facing emerging entrepreneurs - Why innovation is never truly neutral - The relationship between indigenous knowledge and intellectual property - The tension between national development goals and everyday realities Guest: Dr. Pierce Edward Cornelius Otlhogile-Gordon Acknowledgements: This episode is co-supported by the Nurubian, the University of Toronto School of Cities and the Department of Geography and Planning. About Urban Limitrophe: Please visit www.urbanlimitrophe.com for all episode show notes, references and guest details. To access social media, newsletter, and additional projects visit: https://linktr.ee/urbanlimitrophe Please address any related communication to hello[at]urbanlimitrophe.com Credits: Music by Imany Lambropoulos Podcast concept, development, and design by Alexandra Lambropoulos