9 February 2007
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has established a managers'
forum aimed at strengthening scientific and technological activities within
government departments.
Director General in the Department, Dr Phil Mjwara, will launch the forum on
13 February 2007, at DST offices, Meiring Naude Road, Brummeria, Pretoria.
The Government Science and Technology Investment Managers' Forum will be
responsible for choosing priorities that most importantly, will have a direct
impact on poverty reduction in the country.
It will also ensure that there are programmes to increase the rate of
quality of innovation in SA, that there is expansion and intensification of
initiatives relating to knowledge dissemination and sharing, as well as public
understanding of science and technology (S&T) knowledge.
The forum will consist of science and technology managers responsible for
the execution of scientific and technological, research and experimental
development within government departments.
The objectives of the forum have been identified as follows:
* to develop a network through which government departments can share
experiences, good practices in policy development and management to improve
co-ordination of research and development (R&D)
* to provide a platform to discuss cluster policy priorities for funding and
implementation for the benefit of all sectors
* to design and implement policies aimed at improving effective co-ordination
and service delivery to R&D stakeholders
* to examine progress being made in establishing the national S&T
expenditure plan and offer workable solutions to existing barriers
* to serve as a resource to policy/decision makers by providing road maps for
higher growth in the S&T system and research sector
* to identify key performance indicators and discuss the performance of the
National Agricultural Research System (NARS) or National Health Research System
(NHRS)
* to play an advocacy role for S&T policy within government and ensure
continued recognition of the knowledge economy within the government cluster
system and the National Treasury
* to ensure effective implementation of the governance framework especially
developing linkages between line function departments and their science
councils.
The forum will also provide expert advice and make recommendations to the
Minister of Science and Technology on matters related to scientific and
technological activities in South Africa.
It will also collaborate with the National Advisory Council on Innovation
(NACI) and research institutions in the country, in prioritising research
topics and developing methodologies and criteria for research.
For media enquiries contact:
Ms Kristin Klose
Manager Communications
Cell: 082 902 9503
E-mail: kristin.klose@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
9 February 2007
