Innovation Against the Odds: Firm Level Success in Caribbean Innovation Ecosystems
Mr. Emerson John-Charles
Thursday, Sept 24, 2026
7:00 – 8:00 PM Eastern
Description: In Trinidad and Tobago, and across much of the Caribbean, innovation and technology entrepreneurship have yet to emerge as sustained national priorities, and innovation ecosystems remain fragmented, with weak governance, limited multi-stakeholder collaboration, and minimal use of structured innovation management frameworks. Within this context, Trinidad and Tobago’s innovation performance has continued to decline despite multiple policy initiatives and externally funded programmes.
Yet firms such as WiPay, a fintech startup, and Ramps Logistics, a mature organisation that has invested millions in R&D, demonstrate that innovation success is still possible—driven largely by leadership commitment, strategic focus, and organisational discipline rather than ecosystem support. In the case of Ramps Logistics, this includes the application of structured, governance-led innovation practices that align closely with the principles of ISO 56001, highlighting how mature firms can build innovation capability even in weak ecosystem conditions.
Speaker: Emerson John-Charles is a leader in innovation management, helping mature and established organizations transform bold ideas into real-world products, services, and business models that drive growth and impact.
Registration: here