A new era of unforeseen complexity requires the continuous production of new knowledge and higher education, the agency in society most saliently responsible for new knowledge, should be included in the traditional tripartite structure of government, business and labour. This is what Dr Morne Mostert, Director of the Institute for Futures Research at Stellenbosch University (SU), told researchers and policy makers at the International Labour Organisation (ILO) symposium on Skills and Jobs Mismatch: Job-rich growth for Sustainable Development hosted in Geneva, Switzerland from 27-28 November 2017. 

Dr Mostert, the only representative from an African University, presented a paper proposing a new pentagonal model for social engagement.

He told delegates there is a growing sense in developing economies, and in some leading economies in North America and Western Europe, that governments no longer directly represent the needs and ambitions of the general citizenry. Dr Mostert proposed the extension of the tripartite structure to include two additional prominent actors; academia and citizen participation bodies.  

​Dr Mostert's participation in the ILO symposium expands SU global thought leadership footprint and illustrates the international social impact that Stellenbosch University has on global social dialogue. It follows his recent membership on the ILO's international panel of experts on the Future of Work, for which he presented a paper in Turin, Italy on Transitionary competence: a framework for cognitive competence as critical dimension for pro-silent socioeconomic participation. Prior to Turin he presented what is now known as the Madrid Scenarios – options for Alternative South African Futures at the International Organisation for Employers (the global home of business) in Spain.

Photo: Dr Morne Mostert (far left) and other speakers at the International Labour Organisation symposium​