Outline 2 Departmental Structure 1. Departmental Objectives 2. - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

▶
outline
SMART_READER_LITE
LIVE PREVIEW

Outline 2 Departmental Structure 1. Departmental Objectives 2. - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

May 27, 2023 317 likes •669 views

1 Fostering Excellence Through Knowledge and Innovation Outline 2 Departmental Structure 1. Departmental Objectives 2. Envisaged National Infrastructure (RSTI Valley) 3. Biosafety and Biotechnology 4. Innovation and Industrial Research 5.

slide-1
SLIDE 1

Fostering Excellence Through Knowledge and Innovation ¡

1

slide-2
SLIDE 2

1.

Departmental Structure

2.

Departmental Objectives

3.

Envisaged National Infrastructure (RSTI Valley)

4.

Biosafety and Biotechnology

5.

Innovation and Industrial Research

6.

Natural Science

7.

Summary

2

Outline

slide-3
SLIDE 3

Structure

3

GM

Innovation & Industrial Research 2xSenior Technologists 1XTechnologist Biotechnology & Biosafety 1xSenior Scientist 1xSenior Inspector Natural Science Research

1xSenior Scientist Secretary

slide-4
SLIDE 4

¨ To develop a national strategy for RSTI infrastructure ensuring

stakeholder’s access;

¨ To facilitate the coordination of Bilateral and Multilateral

Agreements/MoUs on RSTI delivery funnel;

¨ To coordinate Biosafety and Biotechnology programmes and projects; ¨ To create and manage linkages that promote innovation and

industrial research, innovations spin-offs, value addition & Tech Transfer;

¨ To coordinate natural sciences research (space science , IKS,

fundamental research, blue economy and global projects);

4

Departmental Objectives

slide-5
SLIDE 5

RSTI Valley

Research & Developm ent Facility Space Science Centre Science Demonstra tion Centre Innovation Hub Nuclear Research Centre (MoHSS) Emerging/ Future RSTI infrastructure

5

Envisaged National RSTI Infrastructure

slide-6
SLIDE 6

National Strategy for RSTI infrastructure

6 ¨ Limited National infrastructure for RSTI. In order to achieve her

ambitious goals espoused in V2030, NDP4 and other frameworks, Namibia needs to significantly increase efforts in research, development and innovative activities.

¨ Development of a national strategy RSTI infrastructure that would

allow access to RSTI is required

¨ Expert to assist the department with this task already identified ¨ First stakeholders workshop scheduled for the end of May 2015

slide-7
SLIDE 7

Facilitate the coordination of Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements/MoUs on RSTI delivery funnel

7

Argentina

  • Agricultural

Technologies

  • Marine Sciences

& Fisheries

  • Industry Mining

and Geology

  • Environmental

sustainability

  • Biotechnology
  • Science parks

and incubators

  • ICT
  • National parks

and protected areas

  • Science &

Technology Indicators

Botswana

  • promotion of

public understanding

  • f STI
  • Joint

cooperation

  • n

innovation(SA IS)

  • Exchanges

programmes for scientists and researchers

Mozambique

  • Exchange of

scientific and technological personnel and equipment

  • Joint scientific

symposia, workshops and conferences

  • Joint R&D

projects

  • Scientific

cooperation between R&D institutions

South Africa

  • Biosciences &

Biotechnology

  • Technology

Innovation

  • Space science &

technology

  • ICT R&D &

infrastructure

  • Nuclear Energy
  • Joint research program
  • IKS
  • Science & Technology

Indicators

Zambia

  • Developm

ent of Innovation platforms ( SAIS)

  • Biotechnol
  • gy
  • Joint

scientific symposia, conference

  • ICT
  • Science

Research & Innovation developme nt and application s

  • IKS

Zimbabwe

  • Scientific

Research & Innovation development and application

  • Science,

Technology and Innovation Policy development and review

  • Emerging

technologies including biotechnolog y, ICT & nanotechnolo gy

slide-8
SLIDE 8
slide-9
SLIDE 9

Overview

¨ Innovation Hub ¨ Innovation Indicators survey ¨ Platform for Stakeholders Linkage creation (Technology Transfer,

Innovation day)

¨ Pearl Millet (Mahangu) Project ¨ National Innovation Strategy 9

slide-10
SLIDE 10

Establishment of Innovation Hub

10 ¨ Purpose to provide state-of-the art Innovation facilities ¨ Support Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Start ups from knowledge

intensive sectors

¨ Attract R & D activities within the hub and increase the wealth of its

community, by promoting the culture of innovation and competitiveness

¨ Create a synergistic environment where innovators and academia

can share learning, create working partnerships and do business together.

¨ Consultation with stakeholders on plan;

slide-11
SLIDE 11

Innovation Indicators Survey

11 ¨ Aimed at producing comparable data; ¨ Survey Instrument developed (questionnaire); ¨ Stakeholders mapping exercise concluded; ¨ Stakeholders Database ¨ Survey to be carried out on business/ firms only ¨ Data collection and data analysis ¨ Innovation Indicators Report

slide-12
SLIDE 12

Innovation Indicators….

12 ¨ Product Innovation ¨ Process Innovation ¨ Innovation activities and expenditure ¨ Sources of information for innovation activities ¨ Factors hampering innovation ¨ Intellectual Property Rights

slide-13
SLIDE 13

Platform for Creating Stakeholder Linkages

13

¨ Technology Transfers /Adaptation

¤ Aimed at supporting technological application; ¤ Concept document nearing completion;

¨ Innovation Day Hosting

¤ Provide a platform for innovators and experts persons/

institutions with relevant information

¨ Co – Hosting Innovation Workshop with Stakeholder e.g. Demola

next week (13 -14 April 2015)

¨ SADC SARIM Project coordination

slide-14
SLIDE 14

Pearl Millet (Mahangu) Project

14

¨ Located in COSDEC Ondangwa, Olute Food is producing

mahangu flour

¨ Drive innovation around new Pearl Millet (Mahangu)

Products

¨ Plans to produce further post harvest products e.g. mahangu

snacks and breakfast cereal, further research and development needed for the two products

¨ MoU Between NCRST and COSDEF concluded in Feb 2015 ¨ Implementation Plan to be developed ¨ Business Plan development underway

slide-15
SLIDE 15

National Innovation Strategy

15 ¨ A multi disciplinary and Multi stakeholder approach will be used ¨ Provide a synopsis on the national innovation system ¨ This

initiative that will provide directions (policies and mechanisms) that improve Namibia’s ability to draw on local R&D efforts as well as global knowledge

¨ This strategy is planned to consider policies that deals with trade,

foreign investment, technology transfer, local R&D, human Capital and education in general

slide-16
SLIDE 16
slide-17
SLIDE 17

Overview

¨ Objectives:

¤ Establish and implement national Biosafety

framework

¤ Coordinate national Biotechnology

programmes and projects

¨ Biosafety Legislation and Framework ¨ National Biotechnology Strategy

17

slide-18
SLIDE 18

Biosafety Legislation

¨ Namibia ratified the Cartagena Protocol in 2005

¤ International agreement which aims to ensure the safe

handling, transport and use of living modified

  • rganisms (LMOs)

¨ Promulgated Biosafety Act, 2006 (Act no 7 of 2006)

¤ provide for measures to regulate activities involving

the research, development, production, marketing, transport, application and other uses of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and specified products derived from GMOs

¤ establishes a Biosafety Council (section 5)

¨ NCRST is the Competent Authority to administer

Biosafety Act as per section 19 of the RST Act (Act no 23 of 2004)

18

slide-19
SLIDE 19

The Biosafety Council

¨ Seven member Biosafety Council constituted in

September 2014

¨ Functions:

¤ Consider permit applications & recommend to Minister

responsible for S & T;

¤ Development of national policies on biotechnology &

biosafety;

¤ Issue technical & procedural guidelines; ¤ Provide information & advice on GMOs ; ¤ Encourage public participation in decision-making; ¤ Keep abreast of international GMO regulation ; ¤ Advice to Minister and provide information on GMOs; ¤ National focal point of Cartagena Protocol

19

slide-20
SLIDE 20

Biosafety Regulations

¨ Draft Regulations to the Biosafety Act:

¤ Environmental Release of GMOs ¤ Contained Use of GMOs ¤ Import and marketing of GMOs for Food, Feed

and Processing

¨ 1st Draft presented to stakeholders on 18-19

September

¨ 2nd Draft presented to stakeholders & public

  • n 3 November

¨ Regulations undergoing final review before

submission to the Minister

20

slide-21
SLIDE 21

Biosafety Secretariat Testing Facility

¨ The NCRST established the Biosafety

secretariat and inspectorate– responsible for administering the Biosafety framework

¨ Plans to establish research, testing and training

laboratory for testing of GMOs

¨ Currently GMO tests are being outsourced to a

private South African Lab

¤ ISO/IEC 17025 accredited ¤ Service provider for South African Biosafety

Authority (DAFF)

21

slide-22
SLIDE 22

Biosafety Council Minister Secretariat Inspectorate Laboratory

Implementation of Biosafety Framework

22

Biosafety Act (2006)

Biosafety Regulations Administrative Procedures & Guidelines

Contained Use of GMOs GMOs used in Food & Feed Environmental release (planting) of GMOs

slide-23
SLIDE 23

Biotechnology

23

¨ Body of techniques that uses biological systems,

living organisms, or derivatives thereof to make

  • r modify products or processes for specific use

¨ Includes technologies such as tissue culture,

DNA-based molecular markers, monoclonal antibody techniques, recombinant DNA (genetic engineering) techniques

¨ Biotechnology has made profound impact in the

fields of health, food, agriculture and environmental protection

slide-24
SLIDE 24

National Biotechnology Strategy

24

¨ Map out Namibia’s plan towards

industrialiasation of Biosciences

¨ Provide mechanisms for taking science from

the lab to the market

¨ Consultative approach with all interested and

affected stakeholders

¨ Draw on local and international expertise to

promote bio-prospecting, bio-innovation and bio-entrepreneurship

slide-25
SLIDE 25
slide-26
SLIDE 26

Overview

¨ RSTI Infrastructure Survey ¨ Space Science ¨ Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) 26

slide-27
SLIDE 27

RSTI Infrastructure Survey

Objectives:

¨ Identify existing major research

infrastructures including the activities and major research equipment used

¨ Identify the need for upgrading

existing major research infrastructures

¨ Identify the capacity of personnel

entrusted with the functional and maintenance of the major equipment

¨ Identify the existing gap in terms

  • f infrastructure, equipment,

capacity of the technical personnel Expected Output:

¨ Inventory of existing and

planned research infrastructure (including laboratories, value added research facilities)

¨ Types of activities performed at

these research infrastructure

¨ Lists of major research

equipment used at various research infrastructure

¨ Information with regards to

collaboration, access and usage;

¨ Capacity of technical personnel ¨ Existing gap identified ¨ Database on Namibia RSTI

Infrastructure

27

slide-28
SLIDE 28

28 ¨ Low response rate and follow ups ongoing ¨ Survey Questionnaires available on www.ncrst.na deadline May

2015

¨ Report on the status of RSTI infrastructure in Namibia will be

available

¨ Report will inform the formulation of National Strategy for RSTI

Infrastructure

Status of the RSTI Infrastructure Survey

slide-29
SLIDE 29

Space Science

29 ¨ One of the priority area on NPRSTI 2014/15 to 2016/17

v Establishment of National Space Science Strategy v Establishment of National Space Science Council (NSSC)

q National Space Science strategy Development

v Through Nam/SA Bilateral Agreement , the Department of Science and Technology

agreed to assist Namibia

v Strategy expected to be developed 2015/16 and done in consultation with the

Stakeholders

q National Space Science Council establishment

v NSSC Council been established and inaugurated in February 2015 v Consists of 5 members (Astronomy & Astrophysics, ICT, Engineering, Environmental

Sciences and Law)

v Main duties is to advice the NCRST on matters relates to Space Science and Astronomy

in terms of, but not limited to:

v Development of Space Science Strategy and National Space Science and Astronomic

programme

v Coordination of various space science and astronomic activities/projects in Namibia

slide-30
SLIDE 30

Cherenkov Telescope Arrays (CTA) Project

30

¨ CTA initiative to build two next-generation earth-based high-energy gamma-

ray telescope arrays which will serve as a resource for a wide astrophysics community

q 2008 University of Namibia submitted a bid for Namibia to host CTA

southern hemisphere telescopes;

q Cabinet endorsed Namibia to host the CTA and allocated the resources q Namibia’s chosen site, known as “Aar site”, is located at farm Aar, near Aus

Settlement in the //Kharas Region

¨ 2014 Namibia was shortlisted alongside Chile as the final bidders to host CTA

South

q A National Steering Committee on CTA has been established to advice Core

Team (MoE, NCRST,UNAM) on negotiation requirements

q 2 April 2015 a Namibian negotiation team attended a pre negotiation meeting

in Germany

q Second round of the negotiations scheduled for Namibia at a date to be

confirmed

slide-31
SLIDE 31

31 q One of the Priority area on NPRSTI 2014/15 to 2016/17,

v Promotion of IKS research and documentation of such knowledge, v Protection and preservation of IKS, v Development of National IKS database, v Establishment of National IKS Policy, and v Establishment of IKS R&D platform for product development , value

addition , innovation and commercialization

q Establishment of NIKS Council

v The NIKS council was established in 2014 and operational v Consisting 5 members ( Culture, Health, Natural Science, Social Science

and Law)

v Main duties is to advice the NCRST on matters relates to IKS

q Establishment of National IKS Policy

v Through Nam/SA Bilateral Agreement , the Department of Science and

Technology agreed to assist Namibia

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)

slide-32
SLIDE 32

Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)…..continued

32 q Promotion and Documentation of IK in Namibia

v

Done by the group of researchers from Polytechnic of Namibia/ University of Namibia under a joint project known as UNAM/POLY IKS documentation Project

v Project came as a result of 2011 Cabinet Memo for Namibia to document

existing IKS in Namibia

v Main purpose is to record and document the existing IK in all 14 regions

– concentrating of Medicinal Plants

v Establishment of the National IKS database v 5 regions (Oshikoto, Zambezi, Kavango East & West, Omaheke ) v Kunene and Hardap survey scheduled - 2015 ) v Project expected to continue until all regions are covered

slide-33
SLIDE 33

¨ National strategy for RSTI infrastructure is being developed; ¨ This will require stakeholder’s input; ¨ Bilateral and Multilateral Agreements/MoUs; ¤ Develops actions plans to implement the Agreements/ MoUs e.g. Nam_SA ¨ Regulatory framework for Biosafety to be finalized and gazette; ¨ National Biotechnology strategy to be developed; ¨ Further strengthen manage linkages that promote innovation and

industrial research, innovations spin-offs, value addition & Tech Transfer;

¨ Councils have been established to advise on biosafety, space science

and IKS;

33

Summary

slide-34
SLIDE 34

34