Reviews

“I am pleased to recommend this highly useful and informative Sectoral Innovation Mapping (SIM) Study of the Animation Industry in Trinidad and Tobago (2017) that was conducted by NIHERST.

NIHERST’s study seeks to understand the innovation system of the Trinidad and Tobago (T&T) Animation Industry and recommend interventions to improve the overall performance of the sector. The SIM examines the drivers of innovation in the animation industry, the linkages that exist among actors in the industry, the capacity in the sector to utilize and adopt specialized technologies, and the gaps in the industry that impede innovation. It profiles and maps the innovation system of T&T’s animation industry, and includes an Innovation Mapping Report and an Action Plan. The SIM also provides a brief history and status of global animation. While not intended as a history, it does provide some extremely interesting facts about animation in T&T and its evolution. It also clearly shows the gap between the advanced animation countries and those of fledglings such as T&T. Closing this gap is a huge undertaking that requires the concerted actions of all stakeholders…

NIHERST’s study provides an excellent base for the collection of more detailed data and research on the industry. It sets the foundation for the development of initiatives and projects that can develop and grow the local animation industry and contribute to diversification. NIHERST should be high commended and supported in this initiative. I would highly recommend this very useful and informative study for anyone who is curious about animation. It is a must read and a great resource for anyone that is interested in entering the field of animation”

- Armand Jackson, Assistant Director, PPRD, MOPD
(July 2018)

"The document presents a very thorough and relevant analysis of an important ICT sub-sector in TT, namely the Animation Industry. This is a timely report in the context of TT’s existing efforts to address its economic dependence on export earnings from hydrocarbons through a range of investments in innovation in alternative economic sectors, aligned with the National Development Strategy (Vision 2030). This report represents an important step in this direction, identifying key actors, challenges and opportunities in the sectoral innovation system / value chain of TT’s animation industry, accompanied by a concrete action plan and key performance indicators for the sector. In summary, we welcome this report as an important step in the right direction towards the strengthening of TT’s national innovation system, in particular for the Animation Industry. This, in coordination with wider efforts at a national level, should set a solid foundation to drive TT’s diversification and innovation agenda forward."


- Dr David Leal-Ayala, Senior Policy Analyst, Policy Links at IfM Education & Consultancy Services, University of Cambridge
(June 2018)

"The study is a very rigorous, detailed analysis that includes all elements relevant for a solid understanding of the sector and its potential future evolution: Specifically, the study provides:

  • an analysis of strengths and weaknesses of the sector including a very valuable mapping and assessment of the industry’s situation regarding innovation,
  • concrete achievements of the industry are identified (among them an “increasing drive towards the production of high-quality original animated content by local producers”, which occurred despite objective impediments, which are also described in detail,
  • an analysis of a way forward to strengthen the sector with concrete proposals to improve technical and non-technical capabilities,
  • a detailed overview of the industry’s value chain, stakeholders, and key performance indicators,
  • an overview of the stakeholders’ views,
  • a solid proposal for an action plan of support to the industry. The costing of it could perhaps be useful for the Government as an additional tool in planning its future diversification support efforts.
  • the executive summary and a solid bibliography.


The study is hence an indispensable tool for all those concerned with the diversification effort in Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s proven ingenuity of human capital, policy making, and avenues for future development."


- Ulrich Thiessen, Dr. habil., International Cooperation Programme Manager, Delegation of the European Union to Trinidad and Tobago
(June 2018)