Swartz presents revised policy on research, science

LERATO MALEKE
Correspondent | Friday August 10, 2012 00:00

Presenting the policy, the minister said it is intended to create a supportive environment for research and development to thrive and impact positively on economic growth through a strong coordination of RSTI by creating a robust national system of innovation consisting of policy makers, researchers, industry, international collaborators, technology end-users and other stakeholders.

Among other things, he said, the policy is intended to create increased investment in research and development activities to at least two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2016 from both government and the private sector and incentives to promote active participation of the private sector in research and technology. Further the policy aims at an increased quantity and quality of locally produced products and services in the international market as a result of focused, demand-driven research and innovation in areas of comparative advantage and relevance for the economy and society of Botswana.

Thus Swartz said the successful implementation of the RSTI Policy depends on the successful creation of critical structures such as an autonomous Botswana National Research, Development and Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRDICC) to advise the minister on issues of research, science, technology and innovation.Moreover he said it depends on the strengthening of Sector Research Committees and Boards as and when necessary to cater for specific planning, implementation, and coordination in key sectors under the National Human Resource Development Strategy.

According to the minister, the committees in place will automatically serve as Sector Committees of the Botswana National Research Coordinating Council when it is established.Regarding the transformation of the Department of Research and Technology into a directorate, he said the directorate shall thus be the executing arm of the BNRDICC and it will primarily be responsible for creating policy and legislative environment that facilitate inclusive participation in research and development in science, technology and innovation.

A funding body with a responsibility to objectively and efficiently allocate financial resources, monitor and evaluate programmes and rationalisation of existing research and innovation institutions to create Botswana Research Centres (BRCs) will be set up.Thus the minister said, Botswana needs to intensify the national development of research and innovation and come up with bold steps, which include increasing investment in research, development and innovation.He revealed that stakeholders are awaiting the approval and effective implementation of the draft RSTI Policy.