24 Aug 2023

Researchers have a significant role to play in enhancing regional economic development through technology transfer and commercialisation of research outputs.

This was said by principal research, science and technology officer, Ms Tebogo Pillar during the University of Botswana Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) Satellite event in Gaborone recently.

In a view to bring focus and strategic direction, she said the country had undertaken a national technology foresight and forecasting study, in order to develop a robust and comprehensive agenda with clear national research priorities.

Ms Pillar said the challenge for development was to build research skills and expertise  and innovation managers to ensure that research resources available were effectively deployed and managed.

To succeed, she said research institutions, innovators, university researchers and industry must closely work together to maximise social and economic benefits of new ideas.

She said they needed to ensure that the wealth of knowledge generated through universities was transferred to industries so that society and local businesses benefitted from such scientific technological expertise.

Ms Pillar said participation of women in research, science, technology and innovation in Botswana was low, with the latest indicators showing level of women participation to be at 30 per cent.

She further said efforts were being made to increase interest in STEAM disciplines among young women and girls adding that government and the private sector must elevate the visibility of female role models at various levels of learning and in different professional environments. 

She said with ratification of SADC Women in Science, Engineering and Technology (WISET), Botswana was establishing the national chapter to advocate and promote women empowerment initiatives to enhance gender equity and inclusivity.

Botswana has made progress in its transformation to a modern developed country but was still overcome challenges to building productive capacities that promoted rapid transformation, she said.

 Ms Pillar said government recognised and understood that sustained economic prosperity was linked to the development of the knowledge economy and had direct relationship with research and innovation ecosystem.

She further said that over the years, government provided a conducive environment in its quest to transform into a knowledge economy.

 In an endeavour to expedite such and enhance seamless delivery of services, Ms Pillar said, the ministry responsible for communication and technology was mandated to provide leadership, policy direction and standards on communications, knowledge, utilisation, research, science and technology.

She said the Research, Science Technology and Innovation Policy of 2011 had been reviewed in partnership with the United Nations Conference for Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to align it to the current global technological and innovation trends.

She said Botswana had aligned and domesticated the Regional Indicative Strategy for development and the SADC Science, Technology and Innovation Protocol.

At continental level she noted, Botswana was signatory to the African Agenda 2063, the Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa and Sustainable Development Goals at global level.ENDS