The role of innovation in advancing South Africa's industrial development objectives, will come under the spotlight at the National Advisory Council on Innovation’s (NACI) Policy Dialogue on Industrialisation through Innovation on Thursday.
To be held at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg, the first of the two-day dialogue is expected to be addressed by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Prof Blade Nzimande.
The Dialogue will be hosted in partnership with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone.
On Friday, Trade, Industry and Competition Minister Parks Tau, will engage in a ministerial session that will outline key commitments and priorities emerging from the discussions.
“The dialogue takes place within the context of significant economic, social and technological shifts that are reshaping South Africa's development landscape,” the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition in a statement.
These include the country's slow recovery after COVID-19, the acceleration of de-industrialisation, and the deepening of inequality – all of which have left many communities economically vulnerable.
At the same time, the importance of the just energy transition in response to climate change demands rapid shifts in energy, infrastructure, and industry. These structural shifts coincide with the rise of the fourth industrial revolution and rapid advances in artificial intelligence, which present both disruptive risks and powerful opportunities.
“Collectively, these trends highlight the urgent need to reimagine and revitalise South Africa's industrial base through innovation.
“The policy dialogue aims to assess the current state of the country's industrial innovation landscape, identify systemic challenges and highlight best practices across key sectors of the economy.
“It will also provide an opportunity to review existing policy instruments and interventions that support industrialisation and innovation, with a view to strengthening their effectiveness and impact,” the department said.
A key focus of the dialogue will be catalysing debate, insight and action around industrial innovation and its responsiveness to emerging technologies, evolving market trends, sustainability imperatives and the country's socio-economic priorities.
Discussions will further explore innovation-driven industrialisation pathways through greater alignment between the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan and Sectoral Master plans, with particular emphasis on advancing green re-industrialisation.
The event aims to foster ongoing cross-sectoral engagement and partnerships that can accelerate innovation-led industrial development and economic transformation.
To incorporate regional and international perspectives on innovation-led industrialisation, the dialogue will feature participation from key multilateral and development partners.
These include the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, the Southern African Development Community Secretariat, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the World Bank. -SAnews.gov.za
