By:
Robert Kwaku Annor
South Africa is using its
position as Country of Honour at the 19th Pujiang Innovation Forum in Shanghai
to strengthen international partnerships, exchange scientific and technological
expertise and advance opportunities for collaborative innovation.
Minister of Science,
Technology and Innovation Prof. Blade Nzimande is leading a high-level South
African delegation to the forum, bringing together senior executives and
experts from across the country’s science, technology and innovation ecosystem.
The delegation includes
representatives from the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR),
the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), the Technology Innovation
Agency (TIA) and the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, alongside
senior officials and advisers to the Minister.
South Africa’s participation
reflects the breadth of its national innovation capabilities, spanning research
and basic sciences, technology development, policy and strategic leadership.
The country’s presence at
the forum is also aimed at strengthening links between these capabilities and
international partners, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and joint
initiatives.
As Country of Honour, South
Africa is engaging with researchers, policymakers, industry leaders and
innovation stakeholders from China and other participating countries to explore
areas for deeper scientific and technological cooperation.
The Department of Science,
Technology and Innovation said the participation highlights South Africa’s
commitment to using international partnerships to advance innovation and
strengthen its position within the global science and technology ecosystem.
The engagement at the
Pujiang Innovation Forum provides a platform for South Africa to showcase its
innovation capabilities while identifying new opportunities for collaboration
in research, technology development and strategic innovation.
