Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande will visit the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) Science and Technology Park on Friday to explore how innovation, enterprise development and technical skills can help drive South Africa’s industrialisation.
The strategic engagement will showcase the park’s role in connecting new ideas and technological advances with industry, while identifying opportunities to strengthen collaboration across government, business and the innovation sector.
“The visit will also provide the Minister with an opportunity to engage directly with the leadership of the Provincial and Local Government, the ELIDZ, innovators and entrepreneurs on the opportunities and challenges involved in translating research, technology and new ideas into commercially viable products and services,” the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation said in a statement.
Established in 2014, the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park is South Africa’s first and only science and technology park fully integrated within an Industrial Development Zone.
Through incubation, product development, specialised facilities and technology support, the park helps entrepreneurs develop their ideas and bring them to market.
It currently supports more than 71 enterprises, contributing to industrial competitiveness and economic development in the Eastern Cape.
The visit forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen ties with Special Economic Zones and industry, build local and regional innovation ecosystems, and advance innovation-led industrialisation.
Nzimande will be joined by the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Nonkqubela Pieters; Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality Executive Mayor, Councillor Princess Faku; and ELIDZ Board Chairperson, Ayanda Kanana. – SAnews.gov.za
