Pedro Sebastião Teta is an Angolan engineer, professor, and public leader with extensive experience in technology, education, and national development. Through his work across government and innovation, he has supported efforts that promote digital transformation and long-term progress. He has also served as Vice Minister of Telecommunications and Information Technologies ( 2008 – 2012 ), helping to advance Angola’s technology and communications sector. Pedro Sebastião Teta shares his thoughts on how innovation is influencing the future.
Today, Pedro Sebastiao Teta joins the conversation to share his views on innovation, digital progress, and the evolving needs of modern societies. In this interview, he discusses how technology is shaping the future, the role of education in driving innovation, and the importance of embracing new ideas.
Interviewer: Innovation is a word we hear often today. What does innovation mean to you?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation is about finding better ways to solve problems and improve everyday life. It is not only about creating new technology. It can also involve improving existing systems, services, or processes. Innovation helps people work more efficiently, access better opportunities, and overcome challenges. In a fast-changing world, innovation encourages growth and progress. It allows organizations and communities to adapt to new needs while creating value for society and supporting long-term development in many different areas.
Interviewer: Why is innovation important for the future?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation is important because it helps societies respond to change and prepare for future challenges. As technology continues to develop, people need new solutions to improve services, strengthen economies, and support sustainable growth. Innovation encourages creativity and helps organizations remain competitive. It also creates opportunities for learning, employment, and business development. By investing in innovation today, countries can build stronger foundations for tomorrow. It plays a key role in improving the quality of life and supporting long-term progress for future generations.
Interviewer: How does technology support innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Technology is one of the main tools that makes innovation possible. It helps people communicate faster, access information more easily, and develop solutions to complex problems. Technology can improve healthcare, education, transportation, and many other sectors. It also allows businesses and governments to operate more efficiently. When technology is used effectively, it can increase productivity and create new opportunities. However, technology should always be supported by good planning, education, and responsible leadership to achieve meaningful results.
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Interviewer: What role does education play in innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Education is essential for innovation because it helps people develop knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities. Learning encourages curiosity and creativity, which are important for generating new ideas. Educational institutions can also support research and problem-solving activities that contribute to innovation. When people have access to quality education, they are better prepared to adapt to changes and take advantage of new opportunities. Education creates a strong foundation that helps individuals and communities participate in innovation-driven development.
Interviewer: How can innovation help economic growth?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation contributes to economic growth by improving productivity, creating new industries, and supporting business development. Companies that adopt innovative solutions often become more efficient and competitive. Innovation can also lead to the creation of new products and services that meet changing market demands. As businesses grow, they can create more jobs and attract investment. This helps strengthen the economy and improve living standards. A culture of innovation encourages continuous improvement and supports sustainable growth over time.
Interviewer: Can innovation improve public services?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Yes, innovation can greatly improve public services by making them more accessible, efficient, and responsive to people’s needs. Digital tools can simplify processes, reduce delays, and improve communication between institutions and citizens. Innovation can also help governments manage resources more effectively and deliver better results. Whether in healthcare, education, transportation, or administration, innovative approaches can improve service quality. The goal is to make public services more effective while ensuring they remain accessible to all members of society.
Interviewer: Why is digital transformation important today?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Digital transformation is important because it helps organizations adapt to the changing demands of the modern world. It involves using digital technologies to improve operations, services, and communication. Digital transformation can increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve user experiences. It also allows organizations to respond more quickly to challenges and opportunities. As technology continues to evolve, digital transformation becomes an important part of maintaining competitiveness and supporting growth in both public and private sectors.
Interviewer: How does innovation create opportunities for young people?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation creates opportunities for young people by opening new career paths and encouraging entrepreneurship. Many emerging industries are built around technology, research, and creative problem-solving. Young people who develop relevant skills can participate in these growing sectors and contribute fresh ideas. Innovation also provides access to learning resources and digital tools that support personal and professional growth. By encouraging creativity and continuous learning, innovation helps young people prepare for future opportunities and challenges in the global economy.
Interviewer: What challenges can innovation help solve?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation can help address a wide range of challenges, including access to education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. It allows people to develop new solutions for existing problems and improve outcomes in many sectors. Innovation can also support environmental sustainability by encouraging more efficient use of resources. While challenges may vary from one community to another, innovative thinking helps create practical and effective responses. It gives societies the tools needed to adapt and move forward in a changing world.
Interviewer: How can organizations encourage innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Organizations can encourage innovation by creating environments where ideas are welcomed, and employees feel comfortable sharing their perspectives. Continuous learning, teamwork, and collaboration are important factors. Leaders should support experimentation and be open to new approaches. Access to technology and professional development opportunities can also strengthen innovation efforts. Organizations that value creativity and improvement are often better prepared to respond to change. Building a culture of innovation requires commitment, communication, and a willingness to embrace new possibilities.
Interviewer: Why is creativity important in innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Creativity is important because it helps people think differently and discover new ways to solve problems. Innovation often begins with an idea, and creativity supports the development of those ideas into practical solutions. Creative thinking encourages exploration, learning, and improvement. It helps individuals and organizations identify opportunities that others may overlook. By combining creativity with knowledge and technology, people can develop innovations that improve services, increase efficiency, and contribute to positive change in society.
Interviewer: How does innovation influence everyday life?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation influences everyday life in many ways, often making daily activities easier and more efficient. People use innovative tools for communication, education, banking, transportation, and healthcare. Many services that were once difficult to access are now available through digital platforms. Innovation also improves convenience and helps people save time. As new solutions continue to emerge, they can enhance productivity and improve the quality of life. Innovation affects individuals, businesses, and communities by creating better ways to meet everyday needs.
Interviewer: What is the connection between innovation and long-term development?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Innovation supports long-term development by helping societies adapt to changing conditions and create sustainable solutions. It encourages continuous improvement and allows organizations to remain effective over time. Long term development requires investment in education, technology, infrastructure, and human skills. Innovation strengthens these areas by introducing new ideas and better methods. It also helps countries remain competitive and resilient. When innovation is combined with good planning and leadership, it can contribute significantly to lasting progress and development.
Interviewer: How can countries build a stronger culture of innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: Countries can build a stronger culture of innovation by supporting education, research, entrepreneurship, and technology development. Creating opportunities for collaboration between government, businesses, and academic institutions is also important. Policies that encourage investment and knowledge sharing can strengthen innovation ecosystems. Access to digital tools and learning resources helps people develop valuable skills. A culture of innovation grows when individuals are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems, and contribute new ideas that support national progress.
Interviewer: What message would you share about the future of innovation?
Pedro Sebastião Teta: The future of innovation is full of possibilities. As technology advances and knowledge continues to expand, new opportunities will emerge across many sectors. Success will depend on the ability to learn, adapt, and work together. Innovation should focus on creating positive outcomes that benefit people and communities. By investing in education, technology, and creativity, societies can prepare for future challenges and opportunities. Innovation will remain an important force in shaping a more connected, productive, and sustainable future.
