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 2030
2. NDP 4
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Role of RSTI in a Knowledge-based Economy (KBE)
Challenges
Science and Technology Policy 1999
Research, Science and Technology Act of 2004 (Act
no 23 of 2004)
Functions and Powers of the NCRST (Section 5)
Fund on RSTI (Sections 23 -24)
National RSTI Programme (Section 18)
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 Crosscutting Enabler
Role of RSTI in the Context of the KBE
• KBE - Four foundational pillars (OECD)
1. Business & Institutional Environment
2. Information & Communication Technology
3. Human Capital
4. 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)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
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 EconomyExported mainly in raw form
Value addition takes place elsewhere, thus loosing direct and indirect jobs
Challenges
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
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
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
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
2.
Prepare and review National RSTI Programme
3.
Provide direction and guidance to RSTI Policy
4.
Advise Minister, President and Parliament
5.
Promote broad participation in STI activities
6.
Create awareness and appreciation of RSTI
7.
Management and Dissemination of RSTI Information
8.
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