Cannot Come Soon Enough: Mapping Jamaica’s Innovation Ecosystem through identified linkages

In my first article in this series exploring innovation ecosystem in Jamaica, I explored the persistent challenge of fragmentation in Jamaica's efforts towards advancing Science, Technology and Innovation policy. I went on to further discuss approaches to foster a joined-up approach to driving STI policies in Jamaica for my second article. In this issue, I go a little further to highlight the importance of mapping Jamaica's innovation ecosystem to enable clarity for the different actors in the ecosystem. You will be happy to note that there are present efforts to do just this! It cannot come sooner, RIGHT?

Jamaica has no shortage of entrepreneurial talent. Whether it’s a tech startup in Kingston, an agribusiness in St. Elizabeth, or a creative entrepreneur shaping new industries, the potential for innovation is endless. Yet, despite this, many entrepreneurs face an uphill battle - not because of a lack of talent or ideas, but because they’re navigating an unstructured and disconnected system.

The challenge isn’t just about having the right support; it’s about knowing where to find it.

• Where do entrepreneurs go to access funding beyond the usual channels?
• How do investors connect with promising startups outside of Kingston?
• How do universities and businesses collaborate to turn research into real-world solutions?

Right now, there’s no single map of Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem-no clear guide that outlines key players, available resources, and where the gaps lie. And that’s a problem. When the system isn’t connected, promising ideas struggle to scale, funding is unevenly distributed, and collaboration becomes difficult.

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Mapping:

Entrepreneurial Innovation Ecosystem Mapping is the process of identifying, analyzing, and visually representing the key players, resources, relationships, and gaps within a countries or region’s entrepreneurial and innovation landscape. It provides a structured overview of how startups, investors, accelerators, universities, policymakers, and other ecosystem actors interact, where resources are concentrated, and where support is needed to drive sustainable innovation and business growth.

This mapping process helps to:

1. Identify gaps in funding, mentorship, and infrastructure.
2. Improve accessibility to resources for entrepreneurs and innovators.
3. Strengthen collaboration between academia, industry, and government.
4. Attract investment by showcasing opportunities in high-potential sectors.
5. Inform policy decisions to create a more supportive environment for innovation.

Why Ecosystem Mapping Matters?

Mapping the ecosystem provides clarity and direction—not just for entrepreneurs, but for investors, policymakers, and ecosystem builders.

Here’s how a structured map of Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem can transform the landscape:

1. Identifying and Addressing Gaps

• Highlight underserved areas and innovation deserts, such as rural Portland, where targeted mentorship and skills training could make a big impact.
• Pinpoint funding gaps, ensuring capital flows into high-growth sectors like agritech and climate tech.

2. Connecting Entrepreneurs to Resources

• Provide startups with a clear roadmap to access funding, mentorship, and business development services.
• Facilitate diaspora engagement, unlocking investment from remittances that could be redirected toward local innovation.

3. Promoting Collaboration

• Bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs, ensuring innovations from universities like UTech reach the businesses and communities that need them.
• Foster public-private partnerships to drive investment in sustainable industries like renewable energy and eco-tourism.

4. Attracting Global Investment

• Position Jamaican entrepreneurs to align their ventures with global funding priorities, such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Showcase Jamaica’s unique strengths-its creative industries, energy sector, and global diaspora-to attract international investment and partnerships.
• Position startups for global markets and reach.

Going Forward

Recognizing these challenges, efforts are now underway to address this gap. Work is being done to map Jamaica’s innovation ecosystem and provide a clearer picture of where resources are concentrated, where gaps exist, and how different stakeholders- entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, and policymakers-can better connect. This initiative aims to create a system that ensures innovators across the country have equal access to opportunities and support.