From a vision towards reality: Accelerating Cape Town towards becoming the Creative and Innovative Capital of the world

It has almost been 7 months since Accelerate Cape Town’s formal establishment, in March 2007, with the aim of informing and influencing the long-term strategies of business, government, labor and civil society. Accelerate Cape Town’s vision is a simple one – and a demanding one: to develop and accelerate the Cape Region towards becoming a global Capital of Creativity and Innovation and for the region to be recognized as one of the best cities in the world in which to do business. According to Accelerate Cape Town CEO, Guy Lundy, “Our function is to make the case to government for a framework of policy and investment that ensures Cape Town can remain competitive on the world stage. We also aim to help business to work towards these same goals.” Mr. Guy Lundy, a well renowned futurist, speaker and author, assumed the position of CEO in March 2007. He is widely lauded for his positive views on the future of South Africa. During the past 7 months various high level meetings have been held with various business and public sector leaders. According to Mr. Lundy it has become increasingly clear that there is tremendous goodwill towards Accelerate Cape Town, but also recognition that Accelerate Cape Town could be that vehicle that will help big businesses and government leaders to shape and form a common 2030 Vision. Accelerate Cape Town’s membership is growing at a rapid pace and currently includes Old Mutual, KPMG, BP Southern Africa, Coronation, Safmarine, Cliffe Dekker and Pam Golding Properties amongst others. Mr. Lundy also stated that several project-specific meetings were held with relevant stakeholders related to potential projects that Accelerate Cape Town will soon kick off, focusing on the Visitor Experience, the Cape as a Creative ICT Hub, and the Cape as a global innovation hub for alternative energy.