08 Mar 2022

The slow growth in research and development in Botswana is attributable to lack of a national research and innovation direction, says Minister of Tertiary Education, Research, Science and Technology, Dr Douglas Letsholathebe.

 “Lack of a deliberate trajectory for research and innovation has led to a rather haphazard human resource development resulting in adequacies in key areas, low funding of research and development activities, minimal participation of the private sector, and fragmentation of efforts, sometimes even duplication,” he said.

  Speaking at the vitual launch of a national science, technology and innovation foresight study yesterday, he said the exercise marked a major milestone in shaping that direction.

 “The primary goal of undertaking the first ever technology foresight study is to provide long term strategic direction for transformation into the innovation economy through research and technology development,” he said.

 Dr Letsholathebe said the exercise would bring together key actors from government, academia, business, funders, entrepreneurs and society to discuss and develop a common view of a preferred science, technology and innovation future for Botswana.

He said it would assess actors, capabilities, strategies, policies, governance and institutions.

The minister said the exercise was testimony that a critical milestone was being kick started which resonated well with the country’s drive to transit into knowledge based economy.

He said in 2012, government approved the Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy aimed at reforming the national landscape in order to foster economic diversification.

Dr Letsholathebe said the ministry had partnered with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to review the policy.

He disclosed that cabinet had approved the establishment of a national research fund.

Pointing out that the science field was dynamic, permanent secretary, Professor Nelson Torto said the ministry had to be up to date with research demands.

He said the study would align current practice with the ever changing environment of science, technology and innovation.

It was meant to prepare all stakeholders by creating a common understanding and sustainability in research, science and technology, said Prof Torto.BOPA