The Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor will tomorrow, Wednesday, 22 July 2009, at 09h00, deliver the keynote address at the National Biotechnology Workshop to be held at the Innovation Hub, Corner Meiring Naudé and Hotel Streets, Lynwood, Pretoria.
Hosted by the National Biotechnology Advisory Committee (NBAC), its theme is "the impact of the policy environment on biotechnology in South Africa over the next five years."
The workshop will interrogate policies and strategies related to the development of, and investments into, appropriate technologies for sustainable development (improved quality of life and wealth creation) in South Africa. These will include amongst others:
* policies and Strategies to create and sustain the knowledge base which are also crucial for commercialisation
* systemic support across the value chain
* co-ordination and monitoring of the biotechnology innovation system.
It will bring together stakeholders and representatives from public and private sector including non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to explore in particular the scope of nature of the policy changes presented by biotechnology.
It is also hoped that the workshop will provide a forum for sharing information and experience among government officials, entrepreneurs and researcher scientists involved in policy making and technology Research and Development (R&D) in the field of biotechnology.
Enquiries:
Lunga Ngqengelele
Ministerial Spokesperson
Tel: 012 843 6802
Cell: 082 566 0446
E-mail: lunga.ngqengelele@dst.gov.za
Issued by: Department of Science and Technology
21 July 2009
