Knowledge-based economy: collaborative research is key

The reasons for this, said Nzimande, is that universities and research bodies must help to broaden and develop the skills of students and people in other organisations in order to change South Africa from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-based economy.

Speaking at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University's (NMMU's) launch of its R90m high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) centre, a facility equipped to facilitate the imaging of the crystallographic structure of a sample at atomic scale, Nzimande also emphasised that research must address key challenges of the country, such as infrastructure backlog and unemployment. "This is a significant investment that shows government commitment [to ensure that] the higher education sector fulfils its responsibility of delivering high-quality graduates and first-class research," he said.

According to HRTEM's director, world-renowned transmission electron microscopy specialist Professor Jan Neethling, HRTEM's key objectives are to conduct Africa's most advanced nanoscale materials research and to train highly skilled MSc and PhD graduates, while transferring expert knowledge to industries and, hence, assisting institutions in bridging the gap between research and product commercialisation. "The challenge for NMMU is to attract more good students and train highly skilled scientists who can assist industry and research institutions in South Africa with the development of cutting- edge technologies for the future," Neethling said.

Read the full article on www.engineeringnews.co.za.