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Technology Transfer and Diffusion Tackled

5 June 2006

Over (number) local and international delegates representing policy makers, SMME development agencies, entrepreneurs, technology managers and skills development experts will converge at Birchwood Executive Hotel and Conference Centre for a three day conference (12-14 June) hosted by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) through its implementing agency Tshumisano Trust.

A first of its kind to take place in Africa, the conference will tackle the following issues:

• how research and innovation in Government-Funded Academic Institutions could provide solutions for SMMEs and societies to be more competitive, thereby meeting pressing economic and societal needs; and
• how technology transfer and diffusion can and do alleviate problems within more vulnerable communities. These include job and wealth creation, food and water security, energy and environmental conservation as well as skills development.

The conference will also serve as a platform for delegates to share experiences and identify strategies to contribute towards promoting innovative approaches and means of technology transfer and cooperation in Africa.

DST has achieved leadership role in respect of its portfolio of technology transfer and diffusion interventions. These instruments serve to direct development support to small and medium enterprises. One of these interventions is Tshumisano Trust, which focuses on forging strong partnerships with the University of Technologies (UoT) to support SMME’s in specific technology areas.

Established in 2002, Tshumisano’s mandate is to provide support for the SMME sector through its Technology Stations Programme (TSP). The TSP aim to strengthen technological innovation activities and related skills upgrading to increase the relative competitiveness of SMME’s in targeted sectors, including automotive, agri-foods processing, electronics, metal value adding, chemicals, metal casting, composite and molded plastic. There are currently thirteen Technology Stations at various Universities of Technology across the country.

Tshumisano works hand in hand with the UoT’s in delivering its mandate. “The Universities of Technology play a critical role in providing skilled manpower through the adoption of co-operative education strategies combining learning in the classroom while in the workplace” says Dr. David Phaho, CEO of the Tshumisano Trust. “The approach is a two-way learning process, in which SMMEs improve their operations through technology assimilation and upgrading their innovation capabilities, and for the UoT this process enriches their teaching and learning activities by improving their equipment as well as their real world understanding of the industry” continues Dr Phaho.

Tshumisano’s success has seen the establishment of a number of successful BEE companies. One of those is Yenza Manufacturing, based in the Eastern Cape, and specializing in the automotive sector. The company manufactures automotive components for local and exports markets. The company provides key automotive parts to a number of well known Original Equipment Manufacturers in the Port Elizabeth area.

“Tshumisano Trust is an excellent example of the role that Government Funded Institutions can play in providing solutions for the SMMEs. Through it, we have made good progress in addressing skills development gaps that are recognized as critical within the sector” says Tshepo Motloung, Technology Diffusion Manager, DST.

Issued by the Department of Science and Technology.

For media enquiries, please contact the Department of Science and Technology:
Nthabi Maoela
Deputy Director: Communication, Department of Science and Technology
Cell: +27 (0) 73 648 2876
Email: nthabiseng.maoela@dst.gov.za

For further details pertaining to the conference and registration, you may log onto www.rpmeventsmanagement.co.za or call us at:

RPM Events Management Company

Contact: Ms Rakgadi Mokgethi/Jo-Anne Wyngaardt
Tel: +27 11 316 7377/8/9
Fax:+27 11 316 3168
Cell: +27 (0) 72 224 3552