The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has integrated the offerings and products of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Subcontractor and Partnership Exchange Programme (Unido-SPX) into its Technology Localisation Implementation Unit (TLIU) to further strengthen localisation efforts.

In as much as the Unido-SPX function had been integrated into the TLIU, the unit would define how some of the functions conducted under Unido-SPX, which had reported a significantly positive impact on local industrial manufacturing companies, would be managed in future.

The objective of the programme absorption was to ensure that the TLIU, which was formed by the DST to implement the deliverables of its Technology Localisation Plan (TLP), supported various government initiatives from a localisation and supplier development point of view.

TLIU head Ashley Bhugwandin said Unido-SPX's work, in terms of its industry database, benchmarking, access to assistance with supplier development and matchmaking, had contributed to localisation efforts and would support the mandate of the TLIU.

“The DST’s goal for the TLIU is to deliver technology interventions to South African companies to enhance their competency and competitiveness as service providers to the State-owned companies.

“The synergy between the work that has already been done and our focus is exciting. We look forward to integrating some of the key strategic offerings by Unido-SPX,” he commented.

Unido-SPX was a technical cooperation programme that linked domestic enterprises in developing countries to the supply chains of large domestic or international companies.

The aim of the programme was to develop local industry capacity to meet buyer needs and to identify profitable business opportunities.

The TLIU, meanwhile, had set an ambitious goal to target 150 companies over the next three years, which would stand to benefit through its localisation interventions.

It offered company assessments, technology platforms or shared technology facilities and access to technical expertise, while high-end technical skills development programmes formed part of its bouquet of services.

The technology interventions provided by the TLIU were targeted at sectors, or industries, predominantly related to government procurement, such as energy, transport, aerospace and defence, megascience projects, and the foundry industry.

“Ultimately, the achievement of the TLP goals will result in expanded local manufacturing capability, driving increased industrial activity,” Bhugwandin commented.