Current Situation

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Research, Science, Technology Innovation Policy
Framework in Namibia
By Immolatrix Linda Onuegbu-Geingos
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Structure of Presentation

1. RSTI Policy in the context of the broader
   National Strategic Objectives
2. Vision 2030
3. NDP 4
4. Role of RSTI in a Knowledge-based Economy (KBE)
5. Challenges
6. Science and Technology Policy 1999
7. Research, Science and Technology Act of 2004 (Act
   no 23 of 2004)
8. Functions and Powers of the NCRST (Section 5)
9. Fund on RSTI (Sections 23 -24)
10. National RSTI Programme (Section 18)
11. Concluding Remarks

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RSTI Policy in the broader National Strategic
Objectives

• Vision 2030
• One of the major aspirations - Namibia to become
  a Knowledge-based Industrialized Economy
• Recognizes Education, Science and Technology
  foundational for becoming a knowledge-based
  Industrialized Country
• NDP 4
• Set High Level National Priorities, Desired
  Outcomes and Strategic Initiatives
• Innovation-led Industrialization
• Focus on basic Economic Enablers e.g.
• Enabling Legal and Policy Environment
• Improvement of Education and Skills Management
• Established Quality Health Systems
• Thus, Research, Science, Technology and
  Innovation is a Cross-cutting Enabler

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Role of RSTI in the Context of the KBE

• KBE - Four foundational pillars (OECD)
• Business Institutional Environment
• Information Communication Technology
• Human Capital
• National Innovation System (NIS)

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Role of RSTI in the Context of the KBE

• NIS is,
• a set of distinct institutions which jointly
  and individually contribute to the development
  and diffusion of new technologies and which
  provides the framework within which governments
  form and implement policies to influence the
  innovation process. (Metcalfe, S., 1995)
• Innovation Process- From idea to end product
  (systems approach)- broader than increase
  commitment to RD
• Policy Role,
• Strengthen the relationships or linkages amongst
  the various components of the NIS
• Ensure unified and directed efforts amongst all
  players in the process of innovation

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Challenges

• Social, Economic and Environmental Challenges are
  well Documented
• RD and innovationare at a fairly low ebb in
  Namibia. Innovative products and processes are
  essential for companies to participate in markets
  and to sustain competitiveness. The interaction
  be-tween key actors the State, research
  institutions and the private sector in respect
  of innovation is minimal, while incentives for
  targeted RD in respect of introducing new
  technology and promoting innovation are
  non-existent. (NDP 4)
• Inadequate research coordination thus the NCRST
• Fragmented sectoral research practices results
  in wasteful duplication
• No National strategic development programme for
  RSTI
• Relatively low research, development and
  innovation funding
• Mining, Agriculture, Fishing are the main
  contributors to the Economy- Exported mainly in
  raw form
• Value addition takes place elsewhere, thus
  loosing direct and indirect jobs

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Challenges

• Lack public-private dialogue and
  engagements-Structural weaknesses in the market
  e.g. RD, Innovation mainly takes place
  elsewhere- demand for scientific experts and
  skills are low
• Out dated and inadequate supporting policies and
  legal instruments (e.g. IPR, Ethics)
• No central research registry depository
  (knowledge brokerage platforms)
• Low technical human, organizational
  institutional research, science, technology,
  innovation capacity
• Less develop national and industrial system for
  research and development
• Limitations in the national system of innovation
• General lack of public understanding and
  appreciation of Research, Science Technology
• Thus, the need for a supportive enabling
  environment for Research, Science, Technology and
  Innovation
• The National Policy on Research, Science and
  Technology of 1999 and the Research, Science and
  Technology Act of 2004

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Science and Technology Policy of 1999

• Major Objectives
• Enhance coordination, thus increase efficiency in
  resource use
• Facilitate scientific human and Institutional
  capacity building
• Ensure sustained financing of priority Research
  and Development projects
• Promote science as a preferred area of study
• Building on these objectives is the Research,
  Science and Technology Act (RST) Act of 2004 (Act
  no. 23 of 2004)

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RST Act of 2004 (Act no. 23 of 2004)

• Objectives (Section 2)
• Ensure co-ordination, monitoring and supervision
  of RST in Namibia
• Promote and develop RST in Namibia
• Promote common ground in RST thinking across all
  disciplines
• Encourage and promote innovative and independent
  thinking and optimum development of intellectual
  capacity of people in RST
• Ensure dedicated, prioritised and systematic
  funding for RST
• Promote linkages between Namibia and
  international institutions and bodies on
  development of RST
• Thus, Section 4 Calls for the establishment of a
  juristic person known as National Commission on
  Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)

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Functions and Powers of the NCRST (Section 5)

• Amongst others are to,
• Monitor and supervise
• the promotion, co-ordination, development and
  continuation of research, science and technology
  in all sectors in Namibia, and
• to minimise overlapping in the fields of
  research, science and technology
• Prepare and review National RSTI Programme
• Provide direction and guidance to RSTI Policy
• Advise Minister, President and Parliament
• Promote broad participation in STI activities
• Create awareness and appreciation of RSTI
• Management and Dissemination of RSTI Information
• Fund Research

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Fund on RSTI

• (Section 23 24) establishes the Fund for RSTI.
• Clearly addresses a fundamental shortcoming
• As a start there is need for a appropriate
  funding framework and mechanisms
• Why we are here today

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National RST Programme (Section 18)

• NRST Programme every three years to
• set out the national direction on RST for Namibia
• review the state of RST in Namibia for the
  previous three years
• identify shortcomings and priorities for RST
• set out the RST projects and requirements for
  such projects of every RST organisation,
  institution or body in receipt of moneys from the
  Fund, and includes the Commissions observations
  and recommendations on such projects and
  requirements in view of the national policy for
  RST
• set out the programmes and projects envisaged by
  the Commission to be undertaken by it or a
  council during the period covered by the national
  programme
• assess the previous national programme, if any
• To be approved and endorsed by Cabinet and
  National Assembly
• Implementation by all in research, science,
  technology and innovation sectors

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Concluding remarks

• NCRST acknowledges the existing policy and legal
  concerns and shortcomings and undertakes to,
  amongst other things,
• Address some legitimate concerns by stakeholders
  on the Act
• Engaged with legal drafters to discuss options
• Commenced preparatory work on the development of
  the programme
• Developing preparatory materials e.g. the
  approach
• Strengthening and streamlining policy framework
• Draft Research, Development and Innovation Policy
• Draft Research and Development Strategy
• Existing funding initiatives will continue as is
  with some interim strengthening of management
  measures and increase accountability and
  transparency e.g.
• Namibia/South Africa joint research
• Still awaiting responses from those who wish to
  become reviewers

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Thank You