Having witnessed Mozambique’s recent history from a distance, discussing aspects of innovation in infrastructure immediately leads us to reflect on the progress made by institutions, society and the country’s overall participation in the process. It is therefore a remarkable and essential challenge.
Firstly, it is important to make a brief assessment of the conditions necessary to innovate in the infrastructure sector. Innovation theories, reinforced by the studies of Joseph Schumpeter, James Utterback, Peter Drucker and Clayton Christensen, among others, demonstrate the importance of infrastructural bases as a foundation for innovation.
The need for infrastructure is described in these works as an essential factor in ensuring that technological, commercial, market and social innovations are successful, but that they are also sustainable – here intentionally using the term in its double meaning, referring to both commercial and strategic sustainability and respect for the environment.
Various studies show that investing in and understanding infrastructure innovation is a strategic factor with a double impact: on the one hand, it lays the foundation for the development of other innovations and, on the other, it is a source of progress demanded by society in general, with a view to modernising a region, a nation or even a continent.
The young Mozambican nation, which celebrates 50 years of independence this year, has seen significant growth in its Gross Domestic Product (GDP), but at the same time faces the challenges of maturing in a turbulent world. This context sometimes leads to uneven development, which is difficult to manage and coordinate. Thus, infrastructural innovations could help mitigate the impacts of this possible heterogeneity of growth, providing the foundations for other innovations and modernising social organisation.
Mozambique has the opportunity to take advantage of infrastructural innovations to train professionals, public and private agents and society as a whole in the planning, implementation and management of modern and sustainable infrastructures
Initially, innovations in infrastructure cover various strategic areas, such as road systems – roads, ports, airports and the respective support infrastructures (tunnels, docks, runways, among others) – as well as communication systems, which in recent years have come to face the challenge of global connectivity via the Internet, with increasing demands on performance, security and accessibility.
Also included in this scenario are logistics systems, which cover the storage and transport of natural products, with agriculture and mining being essential sectors for Mozambique’s economic growth, according to data from the World Bank and the United Nations. Finally, the energy sector stands out, since Mozambique is an oil and gas producer and has a privileged geographical location, allowing it to efficiently exploit energy from renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, as well as emerging production technologies through tidal movements.
Innovations can take many forms, going beyond the products traditionally associated with the concept of innovation – as was the case with the launch of the iPhone, modern electric vehicles or the use of graphene for malleable screens in electronic devices and household appliances.
In addition to product innovations, it is essential to consider other forms of innovation, such as:
- Process innovations, which concern changes in methods and ways of achieving strategic goals, exemplified by the introduction of digital channels (websites and mobile applications) in companies that previously operated only face-to-face;
- Innovations in organisational structure, such as the outsourcing or internalisation of certain business activities, this being a crucial aspect in the execution of public-private partnerships for the construction and management of infrastructures such as ports, warehouses, roads and airports;
- Innovation through the creation of new markets, an essential concept for young and dynamic countries like Mozambique. The emergence of new consumer groups, often driven by technological and social trends, opens up space for innovative opportunities in areas such as digital marketing, home entertainment and the production and consumption of information content.
Another important aspect of infrastructural innovation lies in the discovery and utilisation of new raw materials. In this sense, emerging countries must seek to move up the value chain, from being mere suppliers of resources to mastering their processing and final application in strategic sectors such as electronics, construction, pharmaceutical development and specialised transport and communication services.
The emergence of new consumer groups opens up space for innovative opportunities
All these issues generate a wide range of opportunities for innovation in infrastructures. To validate this potential, specific studies should be carried out to confirm the feasibility and impact of these innovations.
For example, the development of business models for transport management could turn airports and ports into international hubs, linking local infrastructures to global trade and tourism networks. This process would allow Mozambique to be not just a transit point for passengers and goods, but a strategic centre for business, health services and international financial transactions.
Another relevant area is innovation in construction in tropical climates, a sector that faces increased challenges due to environmental conditions and climate change. The development of new construction technologies, innovative materials and integrated methodologies can increase the productivity and durability of infrastructures, allowing them to be maintained for longer periods and with lower maintenance costs. In this context, investing in renewable energy sources – namely solar, wind and non-polluting technologies – becomes a competitive differentiator for Mozambique, reinforcing the importance of investments in research and development in these areas.
As explained throughout this article, innovation in infrastructures represents a key element for social and economic development and can contribute to the maturing and inclusion of communities in the global context.
In addition to the direct benefit of regional and national growth, the knowledge generated in these processes can be shared and commercialised on an international scale, strengthening Mozambique’s role as a relevant player in infrastructural innovation.
As in Brazil, Mozambique has the opportunity to take advantage of infrastructural innovations to train professionals, public and private agents and society as a whole in the planning, implementation and management of modern and sustainable infrastructures.
Our countries have always shown resilience in facing challenges and overcoming them. Innovation, especially in infrastructure, is a strategic way to boost our development.
