CSIR calls for greater R&D investment

25th May 2021

By: Schalk Burger

Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor

     

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Research organisation the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) celebrated scientists and researchers working to find scientific solutions to worldwide problems on Africa Day, May 25, and urged fellow research organisations, governments and industries to work together in ensuring that science and technology is used to address the unique challenges faced by Africa and its people.

The CSIR believes that connecting knowledge and research ecosystems is critical on the continent. It, therefore, calls on governments and the private sector across the continent to invest more in research, development and innovation (RDI) to strengthen the competitiveness of African industries, while providing solutions to societal challenges.

The organisation says science, technology, engineering, innovation and meaningful industrial development are the catalysts through which the continent can grasp the opportunities that the continent has to offer.

Science and technology is a sector that most developed nations promote to foster growth and development, it notes.

African Union (AU) heads of States adopted Agenda 2063 with the aim of transforming Africa into a global powerhouse through the acceleration of human capital, science, technology and innovation by increasing access to tertiary and continuing education in Africa by capitalising on the digital revolution and global knowledge.

The CSIR is currently working closely with the African Union Development Agency-NEPAD (AUDA-NEPAD) and Stellenbosch University in establishing the AUDA-NEPAD Centre of Excellence in Science, Technology and Innovation to unearth African homegrown innovation. It is expected to connect knowledge and research hubs with other knowledge and research ecosystems on the continent, and will be launched later this year.

South Africa subscribes to the AU vision of an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its citizens and representing a dynamic force in the global arena. The CSIR contributes towards this vision by collaborating with other partners on the African continent in developing science, engineering and technology solutions to address pressing challenges that the continent faces in its development trajectory.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has shown the world that, for a country or continent to survive other pandemics that may occur in the future, collaboration and innovation must be at the forefront. Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, many research organisations, including the CSIR, have dedicated their resources to curb the spread of the virus and to find scientific solutions. Researchers and scientists across the continent continue to be at the forefront of this fight."

The CSIR collaborated with local partners in South Africa to produce local ventilators that have been rolled out nationwide to hospitals and clinics. The organisation, in collaboration with the Department of Health, helped in tracking and tracing the spread of the virus across the country.

Further, in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Service, the CSIR has dedicated its Biosafety Level 3 laboratory to the bid to boost the country’s testing capacity.

Edited by Chanel de Bruyn
Creamer Media Senior Deputy Editor Online

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