The United Nations Thematic Think
Piece that defines the Post 2015 global development agenda recognizes science,
technology and innovation (STI) as essential in the promotion of sustainable
and inclusive socio-economic development. The Post 2015 Development Agenda
states that, “Access to new and appropriate technologies promote steady
improvements in living conditions, which can be lifesaving for the most
vulnerable populations, and drive productivity gains which ensure rising
income.”
The emerging agenda states that
innovation driven growth is no longer the prerogative of high income countries
alone and observes that some developing countries have achieved significant
economic growth through the creation and deployment of STI capacity. However, this has not been the case for all
countries, especially the least developed countries which require dedicated
support to bolster their efforts to build STI capacity. The agenda emphasizes
the importance of integrating STI into public policy goals, giving particular
focus to the nexus between STI, culture, education and development.
The ongoing STI commemoration
month initiated by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Science
and Technology Ministers is a commitment to building innovation capacity that
creates a vibrant science, technology and innovation ecosystem in the region.
The Ministers observed that awareness in science and technology is very low in
the region and acknowledged the importance of technology and innovation for
catch up socio-economic growth and competitiveness. They resolved to make, “STI
more participatory and inclusive so that there is public engagement in the
scientific endeavor from the full spectrum of social actors, including women,
young people and indigenous communities.”
In Botswana, the inaugural STI commemoration
month is driven by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and Technology
(MIST) and was launched by Hon. Nonofo Molefhi on 4th August, 2015
in Gaborone. The ministry has partnered with the Department of Research,
Science and Technology (DTRS), Botswana Institute for Technology, Research and
Innovation (BITRI) and Botswana Innovation Hub to commemorate the STI Month
with a series of activities lined up to build awareness and nurture interest in
science, technology and innovation as well as encourage investment in research
and development (R&D).
STI are recognized as the vehicle
which drives successful economies cross the world. However, it is estimated that
developing countries expenditure in R&D accounts for less than 1% of GDP
compared to 3% in developed countries. Locally, the revised Research Science
Technology and Innovation Policy of 2011 supports an increase of 2% of the GDP
in R&D investment. It is widely acknowledged that increased public
awareness and private sector participation in science, technology and
innovation provides an incentive for business enterprises and governments to
invest in R&D.
Botswana Innovation Hub will host
the Innovation Vendor Day and Exhibition on Tuesday 18th August,
2015 at the Botswana Innovation Hub Science and Technology Park as part of the
STI Month initiative. The Innovation Vendor Day is a technology and innovation
exhibition that celebrates local innovations, builds awareness and promotes the
uptake of local technologies by key users. The exhibition is intended to
increase public awareness and private sector participation in science,
technology and innovation by showcasing national innovations, especially those
emanating from Botswana Innovation Hub registered companies and companies
registered with the Botswana Innovation Hub’s technology entrepreneurship
development programme, First Steps Venture Centre (FSVC).
The daylong event comprises of
exhibitions, panel discussions, pitch sessions and guided tours of the park for
potential tenancy clients and those looking for land to develop. The panel
discussion titled, “Are Botswana Innovations Fundable?” responds to prevailing
concerns where local innovators struggle to secure funding from commercial
banks and the absence of local Venture Capitalists, Private Equity Investors
and Angel Investors.
By hosting the event at the
Science and Technology Park, the Botswana Innovation Hub accords stakeholders the
opportunity to appreciate progress on its development. The Science and
Technology Park is strategically located on a 57 hector site, near the Sir
Seretse Kham International Airport and adjacent to the Diamond Technology Park
in Gaborone’s Special Economic Zone (SEZ) development node of Block 8 area. The
Park is an ideal location for technology-driven and knowledge-intensive
businesses to establish themselves, develop and compete in the region and
global markets.
Construction
of the parks Icon Building commenced in August 2014 and is scheduled to be
completed in July 2016 in line to be commissioned as part of the country’s 50th
anniversary of Independence celebrations on 30th September, 2016. The parks
construction is a major national project that represents a significant
investment in the country’s infrastructure development. Its central buildings
are a world class, iconic masterpiece of architecture whose designs won the
2013 Auto Desk Design Awards.
With
24,000m2 of commercial development space, the Icon Building will
house both local and international innovative businesses and institutions
thereby creating a network that fosters entrepreneurship, technology transfer,
and innovation. On completion, the Science and
Technology Park will offer high quality road infrastructure, street lightening
as well as uninterrupted water, power and ICT connectivity. In addition to creating jobs, the Icon
Building tenants will create other spin-off benefits that will spur economic
growth. Prospective clients and the public will be able to appreciate progress
on construction of the state-of-the-art buildings and facilities.
The Innovation Vendor Day will
also accord Botswana Innovation Hub the opportunity to disseminate information
on its innovation support programmes. The company currently has five innovation
support programmes that foster entrepreneurship, enhance innovation capacity,
create job opportunities, and contribute towards diversifying the economy and
moving the country towards a knowledge-based economy. Programmes currently
running are Microsoft Innovation Centre (MIC), Southern African Innovation
Support Programme (SAiS), Technology Transfer Office, FSVC, Clean-Tech Centre
and Cyber City Kgotla. These programmes are accessible to individual and
institutional clients from the public and private sector and are aimed at fostering
collaboration between academia, business and government in designated priority
economic sectors.
The Innovation Vendor Day is a
celebration of the very best home grown innovations that also promises to be an
engaging and informative platform that builds awareness and nurtures interest
in science, technology and innovation. Botswana Innovation Hub, the home of
innovation welcomes the public to the inaugural Innovation Vendor Day.
Innovation is happening here, come and join us……
