Research, Science, Technology & Innovation Policy Framework in

Namibia

By Immolatrix Linda Onuegbu-Geingos

Structure of Presentation

1. RSTI Policy in the context of the broader National Strategic Objectives

1. Vision 20302. NDP 4

2. Role of RSTI in a Knowledge-based Economy (KBE)

3. Challenges 4. Science and Technology Policy 19995. Research, Science and Technology Act of 2004

(Act no 23 of 2004)6. Functions and Powers of the NCRST (Section 5)7. Fund on RSTI (Sections 23 -24)8. National RSTI Programme (Section 18) 9. Concluding Remarks

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.

1. Enabling Legal and Policy Environment

2. Improvement of Education and Skills Management

3. Established Quality Health Systems

Thus, Research, Science, Technology and Innovation is a Cross-cutting Enabler

Role of RSTI in the Context of the KBE

• KBE - Four foundational pillars (OECD)1. Business & Institutional Environment2. Information & Communication Technology3. Human Capital4. National Innovation System (NIS)

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 R&D

Policy Role,1. Strengthen the relationships or linkages amongst the various

components of the NIS 2. Ensure unified and directed efforts amongst all players in the

process of innovation

Challenges

Social, Economic and Environmental Challenges are well Documented

“R&D and innovation…are 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 R&D 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

Challenges

7. Lack public-private dialogue and engagements-Structural weaknesses in the market e.g. R&D, Innovation mainly takes place elsewhere- demand for scientific experts and skills are low

8. Out dated and inadequate supporting policies and legal instruments (e.g. IPR, Ethics)

9. No central research registry & depository (knowledge brokerage platforms)10. Low technical human, organizational & institutional research, science,

technology, innovation capacity11. Less develop national and industrial system for research and development12. Limitations in the national system of innovation13. 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

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)

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

• Objectives (Section 2)

1. Ensure co-ordination, monitoring and supervision of RST in Namibia

2. Promote and develop RST in Namibia

3. Promote common ground in RST thinking across all disciplines

4. Encourage and promote innovative and independent thinking and optimum development of intellectual capacity of people in RST

5. Ensure dedicated, prioritised and systematic funding for RST

6. 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)

Functions and Powers of the NCRST (Section 5)

Amongst others are to,

1.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

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

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 Commission’s 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

Concluding remarks

NCRST acknowledges the existing policy and legal concerns and shortcomings and undertakes to, amongst other things,

1.Address some legitimate concerns by stakeholders on the Act Engaged with legal drafters to discuss options

2.Commenced preparatory work on the development of the programme Developing preparatory materials e.g. the approach

3.Strengthening and streamlining policy framework Draft Research, Development and Innovation Policy Draft Research and Development Strategy

4.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

Thank You