Minister Blade Nzimande and Minister Parks Tau host the inaugural Policy Dialogue on Industrialisation Through Innovation
The Ministries of Science, Technology and Innovation and Trade, Industry and Competition supported by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation) and in partnership with the OR Tambo Special Economic Zone, will convene a two-day Policy Dialogue on Industrialisation through Innovation.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Prof. Blade Nzimande, will deliver the opening address on 18 June 2026, setting the scene for high-level discussions on the role of innovation in advancing South Africa's industrial development objectives.
On the second day, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Mr. Parks Tau, will join the dialogue and deliver the Call to Action during the Ministerial Session, outlining key commitments and priorities emerging from the discussions.
The policy dialogue aims to assess the current state of the country's industrial innovation landscape, identify systemic challenges and highlight best practices across key sectors of the economy.
It will also provide an opportunity to review existing policy instruments and interventions that support industrialisation and innovation, with a view to strengthening their effectiveness and impact.
Discussions will further explore innovation-driven industrialisation pathways through greater alignment between the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Decadal Plan and Sectoral Master plans, with particular emphasis on advancing green re-industrialisation.
Participants will engage in presentations, panel discussions and facilitated group engagements structured around the following four thematic areas:
•Industrial policy coherence and innovation governance, which will examine the alignment of industrial and STI policies, strengthen institutional coordination and explore governance mechanisms to improve implementation and monitoring.
•Innovation for re-industrialisation and localisation, which will focus on technology-intensive industrial development, localisation strategies, import substitution, value-chain competitiveness, and innovation incentives.
•Inclusive and transformational innovation ecosystems, which will explore approaches to expanding participation by women, youth and rural innovators, supporting black industrialists, and fostering inclusive entrepreneurship, while addressing the future of work and green jobs.
•Regional integration and African competitiveness, which will examine opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area and regional industrialisation initiatives, while identifying strategies to strengthen South Africa's participation in regional and continental innovation networks.
To incorporate regional and international perspectives on innovation-led industrialisation, the Dialogue will feature participation from key multilateral and development partners. These include the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, the Southern African Development Community Secretariat, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the World Bank.
Drawing on their extensive expertise in industrial policy, regional integration, innovation systems, economic transformation and international best practice, these institutions are expected to enrich the Dialogue through comparative insights and practical lessons that can inform South Africa's efforts to enhance industrial competitiveness and accelerate innovation-driven industrialisation.
Details of the Policy Dialogue
Date: 18 to 19 June 2026
Time: 08: 30
Venue: The Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre, OR Tambo Airport, Johannesburg.
Enquiries: Mr. Veli Mbele (Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson to the Minister) @ 064 615 0644 or Veli.Mbele@dsti.gov.za
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