Presenter: U. Rust – Department of Science and Innovation
Pretoria – The recent update of SA’s science, technology and innovation (STI) policy, more than 20 years after the 1996 White Paper on Science and Technology, was prompted by rapid technological change and the need to expand the contribution of STI to government priorities.
The first keynote address is delivered by Urszula Rust from the Department of Science and Innovation. The address focuses on the 2019 Science, Technology and Innovation White Paper #BIMFFBIP2019 pic.twitter.com/cdXRCxQO5r
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The 2019 White Paper on STI was based on both extensive review and consultation, and seeks to achieve the following, inter alia:
- Entrenching a culture of valuing STI across society;
- Increasing inclusivity, transformation and linkages (particularly with business and civil society) in the the national system of innovation (NSI); Improving policy coherence and budget coherence across government;
- Developing a more enabling environment for innovation
- Expanding and transforming the research system
- Developing expanded STI human capabilities
- Accelerating the implementation of the pan-African STI agenda
- Increasing investment in the NSI
- And improving funding efficiencies
The 2019 White Paper on STI will be implemented via a series of decadel plans, which will be developed in a collaborative manner, involving relevant NSI partners. To this end the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) is planning to have topic specific workshops with stakeholders.