North-South International Technology Transfer

Presentation at the Workshop of the Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme (TTCDP). Windhoek, Namibia, 30 July-3 August 2010

1

North-South International Cooperation: The experience of the Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme Vuyani Lingela and Thomas Lämmer-Gamp

Department of Science and Technology, Private Bag X 894, Pretoria 0001, South Africa Abstract The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of the Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme (TTCDP) − an initiative of the governments of Botswana, Germany, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia − and present the preliminary outcomes of the TTCDP. This paper represents the contribution of the authors to the better understanding of North-South international cooperation programmes in terms of their institutional settings, development dynamics, and instruments. Countries participating in the TTCDP share the following principles: that science, technology, and innovation are important drivers to increase the competitiveness and wealth in their national economies; and that developing capacities related to technology transfer are strongly needed to address national priorities and global challenges. Taking these principles into account, participating countries are committed to supporting the TTCDP within their capabilities. The main outcome of the TTCDP planning is that the representatives of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa have agreed on a set of nine projects involving German partners that would constitute the implementation plan for the TTCDP. Four projects are expected to contribute to the development of the renewable energy industry in the participating countries, and the remaining five projects are expected to contribute to policy development in the national systems of innovation of the participating countries. The implementation phase of the TTCDP will require different sets of skills and stakeholders to complement the expertise of the representatives that have supported the planning phase of the TTCDP. This will include inputs and participation of government departments, agencies and industrial partners that are responsible for the development of the renewable energy industry. In addition, inputs and participation of government departments, agencies and industrial partners that are responsible for intellectual property and innovation management will be required. This input and participation will be required in order to support the establishment of the proposed TTCDP Programme Management Unit, so as to promote coordination among the participating stakeholders in order to ensure the sustainability of the implementation phase.

Corresponding author: Tel: +27 12 843 6517 Fax: +27 86 681 0051,

E-mail: [email protected]

id1315468 pdfMachine by Broadgun Software - a great PDF writer! - a great PDF creator! - http://www.pdfmachine.com http://www.broadgun.com

mailto:[email protected]


2

Table of Contents 1. Introduction..........................................................................................................3

1.1 Outputs of international scientific and technological cooperation.......................3 2. Methods................................................................................................................4

2.2 The participation of South Africa, Zambia and Namibia in the TTCDP.............6 3. Results..................................................................................................................7

3.1 South Africa�s participation in the TTCDP .........................................................7 3.1.1 Renewable Energy Cluster Programme......................................................7 3.1.2 Industrial Research and Development........................................................7 3.1.3 Innovation Policy Training.........................................................................7 3.1.4 Technical Training and Awareness Raising ...............................................8 3.1.5 Strategy for the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism ..8 3.1.6 Sustainable Electrification of Rural, Isolated Communities ......................8 3.1.7 Social and Economic Impact Assessment of South Africa-Germany

Technology Transfer and Innovation Initiatives........................................8 3.2 Zambia�s participation in the TTCDP..................................................................9

3.2.1 Institutional Aspects ...................................................................................9 3.2.2 Human Capital Development .....................................................................9 3.2.3 Participation and networking within the NSI ...........................................10

3.3 Botswana�s participation in the TTCDP ............................................................10 3.3.1 Human Capital Development ...................................................................11 3.3.2 Institutional Aspects .................................................................................11 3.3.3 Culture and Awareness.............................................................................11 3.3.4 Indigenous knowledge systems ................................................................12

3.4 TTCDP Training and Workshop in Germany....................................................12 4. Conclusions........................................................................................................13 5. Acknowledgments..............................................................................................14 6. References ..........................................................................................................14


3

1. Introduction The purpose of this paper is to share the experiences of four countries that are participating in the Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme (TTCDP), and to present the outcomes of the Programme. The countries participating in the TTCDP include the following four Southern African countries: Botswana, Namibia, South Africa and Zambia, as well as Germany. In this paper we provide insight into this multilateral technology transfer initiative which can serve as an example for similar activities in the context of North-South international cooperation programmes. With this paper, we aim to contribute to the better understanding of North-South international cooperation programmes in terms of their institutional settings, development dynamics and instruments. In November 2008, the South African Department of Science and Technology (DST) introduced the idea of establishing a partnership between South Africa and Germany to promote the transfer of technologies developed by higher education institutions, research organisations and industry to help overcome social challenges and to take advantage of economic opportunities. The proposal was made in the context of the scientific and technological cooperation agreement that was concluded by the two countries on 12 June 1996. Since that time, both governments have been supporting joint research collaboration in various fields of mutual interest in science and technology (S&T). The promotion of technology transfer contributes to the objectives of the agreement. In addition to Germany, the government of South Africa has concluded scientific and technological cooperation agreements with several countries, including neighbouring Southern African countries, such as Botswana and Namibia in 2005, as well as Zambia in 2007. The scientific and technological cooperation agreements aim to achieve four main objectives (Lingela, 2009): to uplift and enhance the quality of life of their people; to promote S&T for the development of their national economies; to promote S&T for the improvement of their socio-economic standard of life; and to promote the development of existing friendly relations between the two countries. 1.1 Outputs of international scientific and technological cooperation As illustrated in Figure 1 (Thomson Reuters, 2010), the positive growth in the number of scientific papers co-authored by South African and German researchers from 2000 to 2009 reflects the fruitful scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries. On the other hand, the low number of scientific papers co-authored by South African researchers and researchers in Zambia, Namibia and Botswana − as well as the declining number of scientific papers co-authored with researchers in Namibia between 2005 and 2009 − calls for further action to intensify scientific and technological cooperation between South Africa and its neighbouring countries. The fact that Germany has also established bilateral relations with Southern African countries influenced the decision of South Africa and Germany to consider the participation of the neighbouring Southern African countries in the conceptualisation and development of a regional programme that aims to (i) identify the technology transfer capacity development needs of the Southern African countries; and (ii)


4

implement relevant technology transfer capacity development programmes. From the point of view of the German government, the TTCDP presents opportunities for the German government to promote S&T-driven economic development in developing countries, while also opening up new markets for the German industry.

050

100150200250300350400450500

Zam

bia

Nam

ibia

Bot

swan

a

Ger

man

y

No.

of c

o-au

thor

edsc

ient

ific

pape

rs

2000 2005 2009

Figure 1: Number of scientific papers co-authored with South African residences

One of the objectives of the German Government, as stated in the German Strategy for the Internationalization of Science and Research (BMBF, 2008), is to intensify cooperation with developing countries in education, research, and development on a long-term basis. In this context, the TTCDP has the potential to promote diplomacy and technology transfer between Germany and Southern African countries. On the other hand, Germany can benefit from the knowledge generated by Southern African research organizations, particularly in the field of climate change. The second element of interest is to facilitate business networks between German and Southern African industries. While Southern African countries can benefit from technology imports from Germany, the German industry can benefit from the new market opportunities that will support its position in the global market, which will result in positive effects on employment, both in Germany and Southern Africa. In the following sections, we outline the approach adopted by the governments of South Africa and Germany in supporting the planning and the implementation of the TTCDP. We also present the preliminary outcomes of the TTCDP. 2. Methods 2.1 Technology Transfer Capacity Development Workshop The Department of Science and Technology (DST) of South Africa; the Embassy of Germany in South Africa; and the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) jointly convened a Technlogy Transfer Capacity Development Workshop, as illustrated in Figure 2. This workshop took place on 12 and 13 March 2009 at the DST in South Africa. The German Ministry of Education and Research supported the


5

participation of the representatives of Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania. Lesotho and the World Bank Institute were also represented.

DST-German Embassy Meeting10 November 2008

Southern Africa-Germany Workshop on Technology Transfer Capacity Development (TTCD)

South Africa, 12-13 March 2009So

uth

Afr

ica

Stud

y V

isit

to

Ger

man

y23

-28

Nov

embe

r 20

09

Zam

bia

TT

CD

Wor

ksho

p19

to 2

1 Ja

nuar

y 20

10

Bot

swan

a T

TC

D W

orks

hop

25-2

7 Ja

nuar

y 20

10

Nam

ibia

TT

CD

Wor

ksho

p28

-30

July

201

0Southern Africa-Germany Workshop on

Technology Transfer Capacity DevelopmentNamibia, 2-3 August 2010

Bot

swan

a, N

amib

ia, S

outh

Afr

ica

and

Zam

bia

TT

CD

P t

rain

ing

in G

erm

any

24-2

8 M

ay 2

010

Pla

nnin

g P

hase

Figure 2: Planning Framework for the Southern Africa-Germany TTCDP The Technlogy Transfer Capacity Development Workshop had the following objectives: a) To introduce the concept of a TTCDP to representatives from Southern African

countries; b) To share national experiences on the implementation of technology transfer

interventions; c) To define the national technology transfer capacity development needs of

Southern African countries; d) To discuss potential roles and responsibilities of Southern African and German

stakeholders in the proposed TTCDP; e) To consider the feasibility and the level of interest of Southern African countries

in the proposed TTCDP; and f) To develop an outline of a project plan for the implementation of the TTCDP. The first outcome of the TTCDP workshop was the development of an outline of a project plan for the implementation of the TTCDP. The second outcome was the


6

appointment of Mr Vuyani Lingela (Chief Director: International Research, Department of Science and Technology, South Africa) and Dr Gerd Meier zu Köcker

(Head of Department: International Technology Cooperation and Cluster, VDI/VDE IT GmbH) as coordinators of all the activities of the TTCDP. The VDI/VDE IT is a German-based agency of the Association of German Engineers and the Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies, which has been working for 30 years on innovation and technology transfer in partnership with industry, research institutions and government. The continued involvement of the DST, both as a partner and a coordinator of the TTCDP, presents the following opportunities for South Africa: a) Through the shared experience of the TTCDP, the DST is able to actively promote

its role in Southern African regional integration; b) The TTCDP has the potential to help strengthen bilateral relations between South

Africa and other African countries, as well as with Germany; and c) The TTCDP has the potential to assist the DST in piloting and leveraging trilateral

partnerships to promote bilateral relations and regional integration. The third outcome of the TTCDP workshop was an agreement by participants to establish an internet-based resource centre to provide and share information on topics related to international technology transfer and innovation. This virtual resource centre is accessible to all interested countries at http://www.sac-inno.net. 2.2 The participation of South Africa, Zambia and Namibia in the TTCDP One of the first activities of the TTCDP was the visit by the South African delegation (led by the DST) to various technology transfer institutions and renewable energy technology clusters in Germany, which took place from 23 to 28 November 2009. The VDI/VDE IT covered the costs of the study visit through funding received from the BMBF. The objective of this study visit was to meet with potential industrial, public sector and research partners in order to identify and facilitate opportunities for cooperation in renewable energy technology transfer and innovation projects. The South African delegation included representatives from the DST; the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR); the Centre for Public Service Innovation (CPSI); and the Innovation Fund (now known as the Technology Innovation Agency). The South African delegation achieved its objectives, as potential German partners were identified, and opportunities for cooperation were discussed with these partners. The summary report of the visit is presented in Section 3.1. As illustrated in Figure 2, another outcome of the TTCDP was the two workshops held in Zambia and Botswana. The first workshop was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from 19 to 21 January 2010, to support the implementation of the TTCDP in Zambia. The second workshop was held in Gaborone, Botswana, from 25 to 27 January 2010, to support the implementation of the TTCDP in Botswana. The summary reports of the workshops in Zambia and Botswana are presented in Sections 3.2 and 3.3 respectively. The purpose of the two workshops was to establish what is presently

http://www.sac-inno.net


7

being done in respect of technology transfer in that country, and identify the gaps and needs in respect of national capacity for technology transfer. 3. Results 3.1 South Africa�s participation in the TTCDP The partnership opportunities discussed between South African representatives and German potential partners were clustered into the following seven projects: a) Renewable Energy Cluster; b) Industrial Research and Development (R&D); c) Innovation Policy Training; d) Technical Training; e) Strategy for the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism; f) Sustainable Electrification of Rural, Isolated Communities; and g) Social and Economic Impact Assessment of South Africa-Germany Technology

Transfer and Innovation Initiatives. 3.1.1 Renewable Energy Cluster Programme The objective of the proposed partnership between South Africa and Germany in a Renewable Energy Cluster Programme is to facilitate cooperation between research organisations and industry, in order to build up competencies to develop and produce technologies to meet the needs of industrial players in the renewable energy value chain. Building up competencies to meet all the needs of industry players requires the contribution of related and interdependent industrial players in the renewable energy value chain. The high concentration of related industrial players within a region in a country, as well as targeted financial support from the public and private sectors, and a favourable regulatory environment, are necessary conditions for the development of an industrial cluster. 3.1.2 Industrial Research and Development The objective of the proposed partnership between South Africa and Germany in industrial R&D is to facilitate cooperation between universities, research organisations and industry in order to develop competencies in South Africa and Germany for the development and production of key renewable energy technologies. It is envisaged that the development of certain competencies in renewable energy technologies will assist South Africa in its efforts to develop regional and global leadership in the renewable energy technology market. 3.1.3 Innovation Policy Training The objective of the proposed Technology Transfer and Innovation Policy Training is to provide South African policymakers, senior government officials and senior private sector officials with insight and skills to develop policies to promote renewable energy technologies, and to establish renewable energy industrial clusters in South Africa.


8

3.1.4 Technical Training and Awareness Raising The objective of the partnership between South Africa and Germany in technical training is to develop a capacity-building programme in South Africa to overcome the shortage of qualified technicians and engineers with competencies to install, operate and maintain renewable energy products. The need for a technical training programme focusing on the installation, operation and maintenance of renewable energy products was expressed by South African industry stakeholders at the renewable energy workshop held at the German School in Pretoria on 1 December 2009. 3.1.5 Strategy for the implementation of the Clean Development Mechanism The objective of the proposed partnership between South Africa and Germany in the context of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) is to facilitate CDM-driven technology transfer opportunities in South Africa. The DST is developing an international plan for South Africa to enhance technology transfer through the CDM. Enhanced participation of South Africa in the CDM is not only expected to help reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases with high global warming potential, but it also has the potential to create new opportunities for technology transfer to enhance South Africa�s technological capability and create new job opportunities. 3.1.6 Sustainable Electrification of Rural, Isolated Communities Representatives of the South African delegation noted that households in some rural communities and informal settlements in South Africa are not connected to the electricity grid. Households use petroleum, wood, and batteries, and the resultant negative impact on health, the environment and productivity is evident. The exploitation of the woods contributes to soil erosion and damages the ground whereon the population lives. The use of petroleum, moreover, is comparatively expensive. Renewable energies feeding into local, possibly isolated grids might prove to be an alternative source of electricity for rural and isolated communities. The appropriateness of the technology used for generating energy may vary depending on different local conditions. These may include: solar photovoltaic; concentrating solar power (CSP); small hydroelectricity; biomass; and wind. Small electric grids could be used for distribution. 3.1.7 Social and Economic Impact Assessment of South Africa-Germany

Technology Transfer and Innovation Initiatives One of the proposed partnerships between South Africa and Germany is the joint evaluation of the social and economic benefits of the cross border technology transfer and innovation projects and programmes of the South African and German public and industrial players. From the perspective of S&T cooperation, the DST and its German counterparts are investing resources to promote cooperation in S&T. However, at a broader macroeconomic perspective, beyond the projects supported by the DST and its German counterparts, the impact and outcomes of technology transfer and innovation partnerships between South African and German partners are not fully understood. This assessment will provide baseline data to South African and German industrial and public sector partners to help develop targets for future partnerships.


9

3.2 Zambia�s participation in the TTCDP Following a preparatory meeting with officials from the Zambian Ministry for Science, Technology and Vocational Training (MSTVT) held in December 2009, the Zambian national system of innovation (NSI) was assessed following the Indicator Based Assessment of National Innovation Systems (ANIS) methodology. The key element of the assessment process was a workshop, held in Lusaka from 19 to 21 January 2010. The workshop was officially opened by the Zambian Minister for Science, Technology and Vocational Training and the German Ambassador to Zambia. Both expressed their good wishes for the workshop and for the future trilateral collaboration between Zambia, South Africa and Germany. Some 40 executive-level representatives from various organizations attended the workshop, which was facilitated by the Director of the Department for Science and Technology of the MSTVT. The workshop provided the opportunity for discussion and exchange of ideas between stakeholders from the Zambian NSI, including policymakers; financial intermediaries; universities; research institutions; and technology transfer units. The representatives of the South African DST and the German VDI/VDE-IT also participated in the workshop to provide guidance and share experiences. Challenges and interventions identified for future cooperation between Zambia, South Africa and Germany under the TTCDP are presented in the following sections. Zambian workshop participants also showed great interest in South Africa�s and

Germany�s expertise with regard to technology transfer, and expressed their wish to visit relevant institutions in Germany and South Africa in order to gain firsthand experience. 3.2.1 Institutional Aspects With regard to institutional aspects, inadequate provisions for technology transfer involving higher education institutions and public research institutions were identified as important barriers to STI development in Zambia. Possible areas of cooperation were identified with regard to policies promoting the establishment of technology transfer offices at higher education institutions and public research institutions. Policies regulating the management of intellectual property rights (IPR) emanating from publicly-funded research and incentive schemes for inventors were identified as potential areas of cooperation under the TTCDP. Another institutional barrier identified was the lack of independence by technology transfer centres, in addition to their low numbers of staff and limited financial resources. A national scheme to ensure independence, adequate staffing levels, financial resources and technical equipment was discussed as a potential intervention. 3.2.2 Human Capital Development The availability of well-developed human capital in the country is a prerequisite for development of a functional NSI. In Zambia, the low levels of scientific and technological outputs generated by higher education institutions and research


10

institutions has to be addressed by increasing the number of S&T postgraduate training programmes in areas of national priority. Increased funding for STI projects; the establishment of centres of excellence; and increasing international cooperation efforts were considered to be some of the appropriate interventions to overcome these challenges. Further development of human capital is required to enhance the knowledge of professionals supporting innovation programmes, including policymakers. A technology transfer training programme targeting policymakers and potential local trainers − at higher education institutions and research institutions − as well as training on the promotion of industrial clusters, were discussed as possible interventions. 3.2.3 Participation and networking within the NSI The issue of participation and networking within the NSI was discussed from two perspectives. Firstly, there is a low participation of the private sector in R&D activities, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In order to tackle this challenge, the following interventions were identified: the provision of R&D incentives to the private sector; the promotion of public private partnerships (PPP); the development of human resources in the private sector; the establishment of technology parks and incubation centres; and the promotion of the concept of innovation among SMEs. Secondly, networking among innovators, which is currently limited, needs to be facilitated through collaborative platforms. Furthermore, a programme of promoting linkages between vocational training institutions and local, as well as foreign, higher education institutions was proposed. 3.3 Botswana�s participation in the TTCDP A preparatory meeting to discuss means and format of the assessment of Botswana�s NSI was held in December 2009 with officials from the Botswana Department for Research, Science and Technology (DRST), which forms part of the Ministry for Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST). It was decided to host a workshop from 25 to 27 January 2010 to assess Botswana�s NSI, following the Indicator Based ANIS methodology, with the support of all stakeholders, including higher education institutions, research institutions and the private sector. Some 50 experts and executive level representatives participated in the workshop, which was officially opened by the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the MIST and the German Ambassador to Botswana, who both conveyed their best wishes for the workshop and for the future cooperation between the participating countries. The representatives of the South African DST and the German VDI/VDE-IT also participated in the workshop to provide guidance and share the lessons learnt in Zambia. Senior officials of the DRST facilitated discussions during the workshop (which was held at the Fairground Convention Centre in Gaborone, Botswana). Following an introduction to the NSI of Botswana and to the ANIS methodology, three parallel sessions on different aspects were held. Results from these sessions were presented and discussed in a plenary meeting. From the discussion, challenges


11

were identified and interventions for Botswana�s NSI were proposed. The DRST intends to incorporate the proposed interventions in the implementation plan to the revised national S&T policy. This plan was to be detailed during the following two months, with support from Japan. Like their Zambian colleagues, stakeholders from Botswana expressed their interest in visiting Germany, engaging directly with their counterparts, and learning from their experiences. The following sections provide a brief overview of the challenges that were identified during the workshop, as well as the proposed interventions. These interventions were discussed as possible areas of collaboration between Botswana, Germany and South Africa within the context of the TTCDP, particularly through the exchange of experiences and knowledge transfer, training, coaching and consulting. 3.3.1 Human Capital Development Botswana is facing a number of different challenges with regard to human capital development. There is a lack of R&D experts, resulting in a shortage of appropriate manpower. In order to overcome this barrier, targeted training to meet the needs in relation to R&D capability (e.g. aligning needs and opportunities presented by universities, research institutions and industry) is required, and higher numbers of researchers have to be attracted through proper structures and incentives. Furthermore, the role of universities − in terms of innovation − has to be strengthened by a modular system of curricula which are more relevant to social needs. Other proposed interventions at the university level include the diversification of subjects; facilitation of linkages with industry; and the training of staff. With regard to the support of industry development, training of young entrepreneurs by means of coaching was recommended. 3.3.2 Institutional Aspects Institutional barriers constitute a wide array of different elements. The availability of funding is one such element, and can be tackled by providing research funding to create an attractive environment for researchers. Promoting innovation culture at universities could promote R&D collaboration between higher education institutions and industry. Another aspect is the lack of well-coordinated national policy on STI. A second barrier is the inadequate IPR protection and support structures, which could be improved by the creation of awareness and professional support services for IPR protection, particularly for SMEs, research organisations, and universities. Schemes to encourage scientists and inventors to protect their intellectual property were proposed. Furthermore, there is a lack of a legal framework that supports innovation and research. Such a framework needs to be developed to support research and innovation support institutions such as the Botswana Innovation Hub. 3.3.3 Culture and Awareness A lack of innovation culture exists in Botswana and, thus, the public understanding of innovation needs to be promoted by demonstrating the contribution of knowledge to economic development. The establishment of structures and initiatives to foster innovation could assist in this regard. In order to develop an innovation and


12

entrepreneurial culture, corresponding curricula are needed from the elementary level of education. This would require a general change in mindset because, in this day and age, education is perceived to be a utility for work and not for innovation. In this respect, assessment tools could be developed to asses the levels of innovation skills in the society of Botswana. 3.3.4 Indigenous knowledge systems Indigenous knowledge systems developed by the indigenous people of Botswana represent tremendous economic potential. The value of indigenous knowledge can also be increased by promoting linkages to modern S&T institutions in order to promote its wider application in the NSI. 3.4 TTCDP Training and Workshop in Germany As illustrated in Figure 2, from 24 to 28 May 2010, fifteen representatives from Botswana (4), Zambia (6), Namibia (3) and South Africa (2) visited Germany, where they participated in the planning sessions for the implementation of the Southern Africa-Germany TTCDP. The VDI/VDE-IT covered all the costs related to the TTCDP planning sessions through funding received from the BMBF.

Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme (TTCDP)

2011-2013

1. Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation through Renewable Energy Industrial Clusters

2. Sustainable decentralised electrification of rural, isolated, communities using renewable energies

3. Feasibility study and workshop on use of large scale wind energy

4. Optimization of small scale biogas plants

Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme (TTCDP)

Review

1. Social and Economic Impact Assessment of Technology Transfer and Innovation Activities

2. North-South International Cooperation: The experience of the Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme

3. Framework conditions for innovation support in Southern Africa

4. Renewable Energy Policy Trainings5. Research Management and Technology

Transfer Network

Impl

emen

tati

on P

hase

Industrial Development Policy Development

Figure 3: Implementation Framework for the Southern Africa-Germany TTCDP The main outcome of the TTCDP planning sessions with the German industrial and public sector stakeholders is that the representatives of Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa have agreed on a set of projects involving German partners that would constitute the implementation plan for the TTCDP. These projects are presented in Figure 3, which includes their potential social and economic contribution.


13

Four projects are expected to contribute to industrial development, while five projects are expected to contribute to policy development in the national systems of innovation of the countries participating in the TTCDP. It is also important to note that the origins of the projects proposed in Figure 3 stem from: the initial interactions between the South African representatives and German stakeholders in November 2009, as indicated in Section 3.1; the technology transfer capacity development needs identified by stakeholders during the TTCDP workshop held in Zambia in January 2010, as indicated in Section 3.2; and the technology transfer capacity development needs identified by stakeholders during the TTCDP workshop held in Botswana in January 2010, as indicated in Section 3.3. Countries participating in the TTCDP share the following principles: STI are important drivers to increase the competitiveness and wealth in their national economies; developing capacities related to technology transfer are strongly needed to address national priorities and global challenges; the initial TTCDP workshop held in South Africa in March 2009 identified the main technological barriers (which are also mainly valid in their countries); and the action plan laid out in the workshop is a good approach to contribute to the development of technology transfer capacities in their countries. Taking these principles into account, representatives of the participating countries are committed to supporting the TTCDP within their capabilities. 4. Conclusions It is clear from the previous sections that the planning phase of the Southern Africa-Germany Technology Transfer Capacity Development Programme (TTCDP) is reaching its natural conclusion. The successful completion of the planning phase sets the ground for the next important phase, which will involve the implementation of the projects proposed in Figure 3. The implementation phase will require different sets of skills and stakeholders to complement the expertise of the representatives that have supported the planning phase of the TTCDP. This will include inputs and participation of government departments, agencies and industrial partners that are responsible for the development of the renewable energy industry. In addition, inputs and participation of government departments, agencies and industrial partners that are responsible for intellectual property and innovation management will be required. Another important aspect is that as the TTCDP moved towards the implementation phase, there will be an increasing need for coordination among the participating stakeholders in order to ensure the sustainability of the implementation phase. For this reason, there will be a need to establish a TTCDP Programme Management Unit (PMU) by appointing people whose role is to support the implementation of the TTCDP projects. Inputs and participation of government departments, agencies and industrial partners will be required in order to support the establishment of the proposed PMU. As illustrated in Figure 2, representatives of countries participating in the TTCDP, as well as the German Government, have agreed to hold the final TTCDP planning workshop in Namibia on 2 and 3 August 2010. The purpose of this workshop is to discuss and finalise the implementation plan for the TTCDP. Most importantly,


14

countries will discuss their technical and financial commitments to support the implementation of the TTCDP plan. Furthermore, this planning workshop will discuss the establishment of a TTCDP PMU and will define the role of the relevant stakeholders in its establishment. The final workshop will be preceded by a workshop to assess Namibian technology transfer capacity development needs, scheduled from 28 to 30 July 2010. The purpose of this assessment is to bring together national stakeholders − including stakeholders from industry, higher education institutions, research organisations and government − to collectively identify technology transfer capacity development needs in order to develop appropriate interventions that can be implemented with the support of the Southern Africa-Germany TTCDP. 5. Acknowledgments We are grateful to the Embassy of Germany in South Africa, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Department of Science and Technlogy of South Africa for their much appreciated support for the TTCDP. We are also grateful to Irene Spanellis for editorial comments. 6. References 1. Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF) (2008). Deutschlands

Rolle in der globalen Wissensgesellschaft stärken. Strategie der Bundesregierung zur Internationalisierung von Wissenschaft und Forschung.

2. Lingela, V. (2009). The Changing Nature of South Africa�s Economic Diplomacy:

The experience of international scientific and technological cooperation. Department of International Relations and Cooperation Annual Conference on Closing the Gap between Domestic and Foreign Policies. Southern Sun, Pretoria, South Africa, 5-6 November 2009.

3. Republic of South Africa (2008a). Technology Innovation Agency Act, No. 26 of 2008. Government Gazette No. 31634, Vol. 521, 24 November 2008. The Presidency: Cape Town.

4. Republic of South Africa (2008b). Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act, No. 51 of 2008.Government Gazette No. 31745, Vol. 522, 22 December 2008. The Presidency: Cape Town.

5. Thomson Reuters (2010). Total number of scientific papers that South African residents have authored jointly with residents of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Germany. Data obtained on 13 July 2010, courtesy of Thomson Reuters.

Documents

North-South International Technology Transfer