The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) highlighted its abilities to support the development of the country's industries at an event at its complex in Pretoria on Thursday. "For industry development we showcased to our stakeholders that we have the national infrastructure and the national expertise to support industrial development and to sustain it," stated CSIR Aerospace key account manager Marié Botha.

"The CSIR utilizes a multidisciplinary approach to support industry development through the high-tech development and enhancement of industry," she stressed. "It's not only about technology. We ensure sustainable industrial development by looking at supply chain improvements, standards and accreditation, and enterprise enhancement for sustainable business models."

The council is seeking to develop news areas of cooperation with business to develop local industry. It is doing so by putting a spotlight on its achievements so far. These include the Biomanufacturing Industry Development Centre, the Aerospace Industry Support Initiative and the Radar and Electronic Warfare Transformative Enterprise Development Programme. These programmes are also supported by the relevant national government departments -- the departments of Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, and Defence.

The event is called CSIR Live, with Thursday being designated Industry Day. Tuesday was Safety & Security Day, Wednesday Human Capital Development Day, and Friday will be Defence Day. Each day has its own specific and targeted invitation list and each day also has its own specific CSIR 'champion'. Botha was the champion for Industry Day.

"Everything on display is across CSIR units, showing a holistic, multidisciplinary approach," she pointed out. "It is important for us to get a good mix of industry representatives here, from OEMs [original equipment manufacturers], policymakers and from the supply chains. And in doing so, pulling together the national system of innovation optimally."