MALAWI INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY
DEVELOPMENT CENTRE
INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
1.0
INTRODUCTION
Malawi Industrial Research and Technology Development Centre (MIRTDC) is a
parastatal organization established to be the focal point for industrial research in
Malawi. One of MIRTDC’s technical objectives is to “conduct, identify and
appraise industrial technological needs assessments”. MIRTDC recognizes that
the industry is very wide and diverse such that one survey cannot satisfactorily
identify technological needs for the whole industry. In order to have a focused
survey, the Industrial Technology Needs Assessment planned will cover the
manufacturing industry at Medium to large scale.
In assessing the technological needs, technology shall be defined to constitute
three main areas of knowledge, processes and machinery/equipment.
2.0
BACKGROUND
In 1996 MIRTDC conducted a technology needs assessment that targeted micro,
small and medium enterprises (MSME) technological needs. As a result of the
exercise, MIRTDC developed various technologies and training programmes that
were designed to address the identified needs. Currently MIRTDC has developed
over 50 technologies 12 training programmes targeting the development of
micro and small enterprises. The effort towards MSMEs was on the premise that
the sector could not, on its own, invest in research and development. However,
the current economic reality demands that MIRTDC contributes to its operational
costs; consequently refocusing to providing services to the large industry
provides an opportunity to realize the objective.
3.0
OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSESSMENT
The survey has the general objective of identifying technology needs of the
manufacturing industry at medium and large scale. Specifically the survey will
look at:
1.
Knowledge needs that will focus on availability of trained personnel,
training programs and training institutions. Recognizing the role of
experience
and
learning
curve
in
knowledge
generation
and
development, job turnover will also be assessed.
2.
Processes needs that will focus on operating procedures and
controls,
quality
management,
supply
chain
management
and
operating environment management.
3.
Machinery/equipment needs that will look at procurement
procedures, maintenance programs and boarding-off policies.
4.0
METHODOLOGY
To achieve the specific objectives, a survey of the manufacturing industry has
been planned. The survey will first of all cover the Southern region of Malawi.
The survey will constitute conduction of structured interviews with ChiefExecutives and/or Production/Operations Executives from the manufacturing
industry. To guide the interviews, a questionnaire has been prepared. However,
additional questions will be asked during the interviews where need arises.
The data collected through the interviews will be analysed and interpreted
statistically.
5.0
EXPECTED RESULTS
The survey is expected to provide a true reflection of technological industrial
needs in Malawi. Basing on the results, MIRTDC will develop programmes that
address the needs. The needs will be addressed through independent MIRTDC
programmes, joint programmes through partnerships or private internal or
external consultancies. Through such programmes, MIRTDC expects to develop
relevant programmes for the industry.
6.0
DISSEMINATION OF RESULTS
After the survey covering the Southern Region, a report of findings will be
prepared and presented to a Dissemination Workshop to be held in Blantyre.
Participants to the workshop shall be business executives from the surveyed
companies, Government officials and selected MIRTDC Trustees.
7.0
CONTACTS
The Director General
MIRTDC
P O Box 357
Blantyre
Malawi
8.0
CONTACT PERSON
R W Mkandawire
Phone:
+265 (0) 1 847 845
Cell:
+265 (0) 8 88 329 037
Fax:
+265 (0) 1 847 844