Research and Information Management

The Research and Information Management (RIM) Division of the Local Enterprise Authority (LEA) is responsible for providing other LEA divisions with research and information services that will help develop informed and knowledgeable SMMEs in Botswana. The RIM Division is divided into three departments: Research, Public Policy, Knowledge Management. These three departments achieve the following objectives:

Research Department

The Research wing of the Research and Information Management Division conducts primary research such as feasibility studies and market surveys for the development of the SMME sector in line with LEA's programmes in the targeted niche markets. It also collates and analyses data from secondary sources to be utilised for the programmes delivered by the LEA, aimed at SMME development and promotion. The research is confined to the Manufacturing, Services, Tourism and Agriculture Sectors. The research wing also creates and maintains networks with other SMME related Research Institutions in the region and internationally.

Public Policy Department

The public policy department's principal purpose is to ensure that the sustained development of the SMME Sector in Botswana occurs in the context of a robust, effective, relevant and supportive policy, legal and institutional framework. To this end, the department plays an active role in recommending appropriate and impact driven policy options and choices to LEA, its stakeholders and the Government by providing the lead in public policy research, analysis and review. As such the departments specific objectives are to;

• Analyze and Review policies, laws, regulations and development programmes that affect SMMEs in the selected niche markets to determine their likely impact on SMMEs
• Recommend policy review and options, amendments to the existing laws and regulations to facilitate the effective development of the SMME Sector
• Interpret and explain public policies, laws and regulations to LEA stakeholders
• In collaboration with SEDS, coordinate and design advocacy guidelines with advocacy representatives from other divisions to foster a conducive environment for the development of the SMME sector.

Knowledge Management Department

The Knowledge Management Department manages and oversees the dissemination of information sharing and organization intelligence in LEA. The department ensures that information and experience is shared within LEA and externally as appropriate with partners and stakeholders. Likewise the department facilitates and strengthens links between knowledge sharing and information dissemination systems. This is achieved by improving integration between information systems in the organization, to facilitate seamless exchange of information across systems. The department uses the internet and intranet sites for dissemination of packaged information both internally and externally to LEA clients. The department is also tasked with the development of knowledge for quality SMME programmes and best practice assessment tools that will transform LEA into a knowledge-focused organization. Furthermore the department is charged with implementing the relevant knowledge management policies, processes, mechanisms and methodologies, taking into account the cost efficiency and effectiveness of LEA Resource Centers and the LEA Contact Center. The department and effectively maximizes the usability and usefulness of SMME resources/information products for different user groups. This is done by ensuring that information/knowledge resources are readily accessed and easily retrieved. Key to the department is ensuring compliance with all Information Management policies and relevant legislation e.g. copyright and intellectual property in the area of knowledge management as a technique for the management of the intellectual assets of the organization.