New move to promote innovation

This ‘first of its kind' exciting new development is a joint initiative identified by The Innovation Hub in partnership with COFISA (Co-operation Framework on Innovation Systems between Finland & South Africa). The CoE Pilot Program is based on a Finnish model that utilises top-level knowledge and expertise as a resource for business operations, job creation and regional development, aimed at identifying the region's strengths and creating economic growth.

The CoE Pilot Program is not a funding program but a funded platform to co-ordinate collaboration so as to stimulate industry-focussed innovation and thereby leverage available public and private sector funding.

The initiative has been welcomed by representatives of the sectors. The Director of the National Aerospace Centre of Excellence (NACOE), Francois Denner, says “Aerospace is a sector with unique challenges and this announcement comes at a time when NACOE has made initial, but still limited contributions in these program areas which are of critical importance to the long term competitiveness of the South African aerospace industry”.

One may ask why the Aerospace, ICT and Biotechnology sectors? These industries dominate high value world export markets and it is nearly impossible to become a recognised player without partnerships and dedicated support programs such as the Centres of Expertise Program. The Innovation Hub's CoE Pilot Program also gives effect to the mandate of creating a high-tech cluster in Gauteng for growing its knowledge economy.

Harnessing the strengths

Dr Joe Molete, CEO of the Biotechnology Regional Innovation Centre (BioPAD) says the CoE Pilot Program provides an opportunity to fast-track the development of the biotechnology industry. “The biotech industry relies heavily on the collaboration model where academia innovates and business implements. However, the success depends on the early participation of both parties from the inception of the project. The idea of having academia, research as well as industry participate in the same project with government will ensure that we harness the strengths of different parties”, says Molete.

A major constraint for industry in accessing funding is the impact on time and valuable resources. This situation is exacerbated for SMEs. Dries Prinsloo, CEO of MMBSPI (Multi Media Broadcasting Service Providers International) – an ICT and digital media company on The Innovation Hub precinct – believes that the CoE Pilot Program will create opportunities for small and medium size business. Prinsloo says, “SMEs can also start to interact with bigger companies and gain valuable business experience through the CoE programs and not only expand their own businesses but learn to interact with multinational companies, research companies and academic institutions on a formal basis”.

Consortiums are encouraged, through The CoE Pilot Program's Call for Proposals, to increase diversity and collaboration in presenting projects in the three sectors with the aim of developing innovative solutions for pre-identified industry needs and requirements. Initially, at least one successful candidate will be identified for each sector and will be officially contracted by The Innovation Hub Centres of Expertise to implement the related projects.

The establishment of The Innovation Hub CoE Pilot Program follows a feasibility study in South Africa on the development of a CoE program in Gauteng, by Finland'sTurku Science Park, which was concluded in November 2007. Stakeholders interviewed in the Province's ICT, Biotechnology and Aerospace sectors included universities, research organisations, and the government and private sectors.

Nurturing partnerships

Its fundamental departure from research or technology ‘push' projects makes The Innovation Hub's CoE Pilot Program unique and the ‘first of its kind'. It is not a funding instrument nor is it a legal entity. It is a catalyst for creating new commercial projects and a model of co-operation between diverse institutions.

While the program will not engage in the actual implementation of projects, it will assist with the structuring, nurturing and sustainability of the collaborative partnerships, contribute to facilitating the structuring of consortiums to achieve a ‘win-win' scenario for all stakeholders, and will assist with nurturing and maintaining the collaborative environment during project implementation.

The final date for submitting proposals is Friday 7 March 2008. A Briefing Workshop will be held on Wednesday 20 February 2008 at The Innovation Hub and the final Terms of Reference for the Proposal will be available from 8 February 2008 on request from Jeanette Morwane at jmorwane@theinnovationhub.com. In the interim a copy of the draft Terms of Reference can also be obtained on request.