First Quarter Performance Report
PROGRAMME 2: TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
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PROGRAMME 2: TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONThe purpose of the Programme is to drive strategic research, development and innovation (RDI) in space science and technology, energy, the bioeconomy, and the emerging and converging areas of nanotechnology, robotics, photonics and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), and to promote the realisation of commercial products, processes and services from these RDI initiatives. In addition, through the implementation of enabling policies and interventions along the entire innovation value chain, to promote the protection and utilisation of IP, technology transfer and technology commercialisation. The Programme provides policy leadership in the DST's long-term cross-cutting RDI initiatives through four chief directorates. Bioinnovation Chief Directorate leads the DST’s implementation of the National Bioeconomy Strategy, with its prime focus on the socio-economic outcomes and the strengthening of research and innovation competencies that form the strategic base of the bio-based NSI, rather than the mere development of technologies. Hydrogen and Energy Chief Directorate develops a portfolio of technologies to contribute towards resolving the energy security challenge, to increase local mineral beneficiation, and to facilitate South Africa’s transition towards a knowledge-driven economy. In line with the NDP, the MTSF and the Nine-Point Plan, the chief directorate seeks to facilitate the achievement of economic development and social equity by including locally developed cleaner energy technology solutions in South Africa’s energy system. Space Science and Technology Chief Directorate supports the creation of an environment conducive to the implementation of the Space Science and Technology Grand Challenge, the National Space Strategy and SAEOS, as well as addressing the development of space technologies, innovative solutions and human capital to respond to national priorities and boost socio-economic growth. The chief directorate is also focusing on the development of human capital through targeted programmes in the thematic areas of earth observation and satellite engineering; navigation and positioning; space science and exploration; and satellite communication. The satellite technology platforms and infrastructure in space S&T will play an important role in decision-making processes in both the public and private sectors. Innovation Priorities and Instruments The Chief Directorate supports and strengthens the innovation policy package (and related interventions) aimed at creating and sustaining an enabling environment for innovation, technology development, and commercialisation of publicly funded Research and Development (R&D) initiatives. In performing this function, IPI supports the identification, development, creation and support of policy and institutional structures that facilitate technology development and its progression into national and international markets. The chief directorate also focuses on the conceptualisation, piloting and monitoring and evaluation of innovation policy instruments, such as those centred on the Department’s Commercialisation Framework. It is further supporting the development and implementation of emerging and converging technologies that have the potential to influence and affect social and economic development positively, in areas such as synthetic biology, structural biology, systems biology and functional genomics, nanotechnology, photonics and robotics. National Intellectual Property Management Office (NIPMO) is the national implementing agency for the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act (IPR-PFRD Act) which was promulgated on 22 December 2008 and came into effect on 2 August 2010. The long title of the IPR-PFRD Act reads “To provide for more effective utilisation of intellectual property emanating from publicly financed research and development; to establish the National Intellectual Property Management Office and the Intellectual Property Fund; to provide for the establishment of offices of technology transfer at institutions; and to provide for matters connected therewith: Highlights of the Quarter In the realisation of the Technology Innovation mandate, the following can be commended as highlights. Increased knowledge generation The collaborative agreement entered into between the DST, the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) and Novartis in 2017, resulted in some positive spin-offs during the first quarter of 2018/19 reporting period:
The Bio-innovation Chief Director and Director: Industry and Environment participated and presented at the Global Bio-economy Summit, in Berlin, Germany. The Summit provided an extremely useful forum for gathering information on bio-economy developments worldwide, developments that are useful in steering the South African bio-economy. Review the state of nanotechnology research development and innovation (RDI) in South Africa: The National Nanotechnology Strategy, launched by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) in 2006, was developed to coordinate and expand existing nanotechnology and nanoscience research in South Africa. Since the launch of the Strategy, a wide range of activities in this field has emerged across the universities, science councils and, to a lesser extent, the private sector in the country. Furthermore, a number of initiatives and funding streams have helped to shape the research development and innovation (RD&I) agenda, some of which have arisen from the provisions of the Strategy and the associated Research Plan. These include the Nanotechnology Flagships Projects, the Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme, the SARChI initiative, the establishment of the Nanotechnology Innovation Centres (NICs), and funding provided through the National Nanotechnology Equipment Programme (NNEP), which was subsumed into the National Equipment Programme (NEP). The DST commissioned a study in 2017 to review the state of nanotechnology research development and innovation (RD&I) in South Africa, to determine the extent to which the overall objectives of the Strategy are being met. The study consisted of two parts. The first was a detailed analysis of the nanotechnology landscape across South Africa from 2006 to 2017, while the second was a review of the NICs. The study presents the achievements to date, measured in terms of a wide range of metrics, and some of the challenges to nanotechnology RD&I in South Africa. It also seeks to identify the interventions necessary to help overcome the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities. IPI held a stakeholder workshop on 26 June 2018 where the results of the Nanotechnology Landscape Study were presented to representatives from universities, science councils, public entities, government departments, and the private sector. The findings were well received by the community. A presentation on the study with recommendations is to be tabled to EXCO on 30 August 2018. DST-SARIMA Excellence Awards in R&I Management: SARIMA has anchored itself as a key role player within the regional system of research and innovation, championing efforts to grow and strengthen capacity, as well as provide thought leadership, on research and innovation (R&I) management. These management capabilities are critical to supporting the research endeavours, and realisation of sustainable innovations from such research, to address societal needs. The DST has partnered with SARIMA over nearly two decades to set the groundwork for:
The DST is a continued supporter and sponsor of the DST-SARIMA Excellence Awards since the initiative started in 2014, having supported 16 individual awards and 4 organisational awards across various categories. The DST-SARIMA Excellence Awards were made during a ceremony at the 2018 SARIMA Conference Dinner on the 31 May 2018. These awards aim to acknowledge and celebrate those individuals and organisations that have excelled in the fields of R&I research and innovation management in the SADC region. The awards are for the year 2017. There are four award categories:
Knowledge utilisation for economic development During the period under review, 150 new actionable disclosures were received from institutions showing an increase already in comparison to where we were at the same time last year at 108. This is encouraging as it shows that institutions are taking more technologies onto their portfolios and hence increasing the publicly financed technology pipeline. In addition, the first quarter saw the successful hosting of the second World Intellectual Property Organisation – NIPMO Intellectual Property (IP) Innovation Workshop. The workshop was held in Johannesburg where 55 individuals were trained in all aspects of IP and its interface with innovation. During the first quarter, HySA Infrastructure had sales of Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carrier (LOHC) to a local company while HySA Systems sold a 1 KW high-temperature fuel cell stack to a Chinese company. The products which were sold were identified in the HySA independent assessment as products which were ready for the market. These sales create a platform for validation of technological outputs from the CoCs and opportunities for industrial upscaling. The DST provided five regulatory recommendations towards the Executive Council (GMO Act) GMO permit applications, 100% of the applications were considered. The IK-Based Technology Innovation Unit organised workshops for the handing over of initiatives that are ready for commercialisation to line departments, e.g. the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI); and Small Business Development (DSBD); and Rural and Land Affairs (DRLA), and Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). This was done in collaboration with agencies reporting to these departments, e.g. South African Bureau of Standards, EgoliBio, The Innovation Hub, Small Enterprise Development Agency, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission and the Agricultural Research Council. Centre of Competence Study: In a developing nation such as South Africa the importance of research and development (R&D) to support economic development, job creation and human capital development are essential. In response to a review by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2007 of South Africa’s research, development, and innovation (RDI) landscape, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) developed the 2010 Centre of Competence (CoC) Framework. While the Framework is a response to the findings of the OECD report, it is also a mechanism to reinforce South Africa’s RDI landscape to help overcome the innovation chasm or valley of death—i.e., the space between research and commercialisation. Subsequent studies have reviewed the DST CoC Framework, providing valuable insight for its improvement. An important finding articulated the DST’s need to perceive how, and under what circumstances, the industry can be assisted in collaborative efforts to drive or not to drive CoCs. To this effect, the DST (through the CSIR) requested Frost & Sullivan to develop an understanding of this challenge. The key objective of this study is to enable the DST to grasp the needs of industry participants in driving industry-led collaborations. Frost & Sullivan will provide an analysis and evaluation of the efficacy, sustainability and needs of CoCs and CoC-type structures, and identify synergy in the triple helix partnerships. This study was initiated in April 2018. DST Commercialisation Project Management System (CPMS): In 2015 the DST drafted its Commercialisation Framework. The Framework articulated various practices/procedures for the DST to further develop the capacity to implement a more formalised mechanism whereby technologies that are funded by the DST are identified for possible commercialisation. Following the approval of the Framework by the DST EXCO, IPI was tasked with the development of a set of protocols to guide and support the implementation of the Framework. This work has been completed and has resulted in the Commercialisation Project Management System (CPMS) – an implementation toolkit that is aimed at supporting the Department in making funding decisions with a higher possibility of commercial success. A training workshop was held for DST staff on the 17 May 2018. This workshop was intended to better equip the DST staff to create opportunities for facilitating funding decisions in support of technology commercialisation. The second workshop for stakeholders from across the National System of innovation is planned for early October 2018: -
Knowledge utilisation for inclusive development The use of renewable hydrogen and fuel cell technology to produce electricity has been demonstrated at Poelano Secondary school near Ventersdorp. The 2.5kW HySA developed fuel cell system, with renewable hydrogen production and storage on site, was launched by the Minister of Science and Technology on 13 April 2018, and is now a reliable source of power for the rural school. Estimates indicate that in excess of 5 000 schools and clinics across the country do not have access or have limited access to reliable electricity. Within the rural schools, the 2.5 kW fuel cell system will be capable of powering the lights in classrooms and some computers. In April 2018 Minister Kubayi-Ngubane launched a 2.5 kW fuel cell system at Poelano Secondary School in Northwest Province. The commercialisation of new IK-based technologies as part of inclusive development is essential for the country’s socio-economic advancement. Subsequent to the completion of the Limpopo (Tooseng) agro-processing facility for Moringa project, the Sedikong cooperative from Tooseng community has started negotiations with Future Life (private sector) for joint commercialisation of their products. NIPMO led a South African delegation to Ahmerabad, India, for a workshop on “Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Systems for grassroots innovators”. The workshop was attended by individuals from the following organisations/ institutions/departments: NIPMO (2), DST (1), TIA (1) Walter Sisulu University (1), University of Fort Hare (1) and University of Venda (1). The training was broader than IPR and instead concentrated on commercialising technologies relevant to individuals at the grassroots level, and for technologies developed by grassroots innovators. Programme 2, through its membership of the board of the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) initiated the planning for the Pathred Innovation Summit, to take place from 1 to -3 July 2018. This is the first step in developing an innovation plan for the organisation, which provides diagnostic services to 80% of the South African population (i.e. the public sector). Technology transfer initiatives for four new communities (Eastern Cape and North West) have commenced for the I-Brand Health Infusions led by the University of Free State. Commercialisation formulation workshops for Tiger Brands are ongoing. A new Moringa extraction company, GreeneX has been registered through WITS Enterprise Business School. Greenex is currently incubated at the Innovation Hub. Phedisanang Cooperative has been replaced by a new small, micro and medium enterprise, Phedisanang Technologies (Pty) Ltd. Furthermore, construction of propagation and pre-processing facilities led by the ARC are ongoing for five Honeybush SMMEs in the Eastern and Western Cape. TABLE : PROGRAMME 2 – TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION
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