Innovation is a critical enabler of connectivity, but failure to use innovative digital technologies is not only affecting social conditions worldwide but also helping exacerbate the digital divide. In addition to the digital divide, there is also an innovation divide, which separates those who develop and use emerging technologies from those who, at best, are reliant on others to develop solutions, and at worst, do not benefit from access to innovation in ICTs. Focusing on the local, grassroots, entrepreneur-driven innovation, could dramatically re-energize progress towards the 17 SDGs and change the lives of billions who remain cut off from the power of the digital world.

• Innovation addresses local and global challenges and creates economic solutions and sustainable jobs. Innovators need however supportive policies, incentives and programs to develop solutions that address their communities’ needs, and that provide governments and organizations with the means to accelerate digital transformation.
• In some environments, becoming a digital entrepreneur is easy. In others, the road to digital entrepreneurship is paved with challenges including a risk-averse mindset and culture, lack of knowledge and skills to innovate, lack of resources to cross the so-called “valley-of-death”, insufficient innovation spaces and support programs to scale, limited access to markets, and low collaboration with established organizations.
• As an entrepreneur, it is important to continually test your products and to be willing to accept feedback. Persistency and resiliency are also important. Not getting it right the first time does not necessarily mean failure.
• Innovation is a creator of opportunities and an accelerator of entrepreneurship. Enterprises, whether small, medium or large are an important source of economic growth, job creation and innovation.
• Innovation is a major gamechanger to accelerate progress for the 2030 Agenda. The pandemic accelerated the development of national innovation ecosystems. Investing in supporting local ecosystems is a smart investment, and addressing the needs of underserved groups both drives business and development impact.
• According to a study from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), mixed-gender investment teams have better return on investment outcomes (10-20 per cent higher), which highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion for innovation.
• All entrepreneurs need not only funding, but also raw models and mentors. People who believe in the idea from the beginning, who can help them go through  the valley of death and who can inspire them with their own personal stories of success and failure.
• One of the best ways to drive innovation, is to make sure that the needs or ideas of underserved groups, are brought to the forefront. Addressing these underserved groups, both drives business and development impact.
• Education is key to spurring innovation. Making sure that every child has access to broadband Internet and the world of knowledge and information it offers through 3G, 4G and 5G can pave the way to develop the future generations of innovators.