Maseru, Feb. 05 — The Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation Ms. Nthati Moorosi says innovation and research are crucial based on current rapid technological advancement and evolving global challenges.
This she said during the 3rd Strengthening Research and Innovation Management (SRIM) II Symposium held in Maseru on Wednesday under the theme ” Bridging the gap between research and communication.
She said the ability to transform knowledge into practical solutions is key to addressing pressing issues such as climate change, food security and unemployment.
She therefore said SRIM underscores the importance of research and innovation management in ensuring ideas transition theory to impactful real world applications.
She stressed that fostering collaboration among the government, industry and academia is vital in positioning the country as active contributors to the fourth industrial revolution, saying to achieve this, the Ministry is working tirelessly to persuade the cabinet to approve the research and innovation policy which seeks to ensure collaboration among researchers and accelerate innovation.
“The government remains steadfast to fostering an enabling environment for research and innovations” she said.
She further urged the participants to reflect on innovation commercialisation, capacity building and skills development as well as collaborative networks.
She concluded by commending the participants for their unwavering commitment in advancing research and innovation in the country and globally.
Speaking at the same event, Director Information Communication Technology Mr. Thapeli Tjabane said there is need to support initiatives in the Ministry that supports research and innovation, saying efforts to review government procurement to support innovative procurement are underway.
He also said how the government is putting in place systematic ways to strengthen technology in Lesotho is key.
On behalf of Southern African Research and Innovation Management Association, Dr. Hamilton Phiri said strengthening research and innovation systems is vital to develop support in regional socio-economic development.
He also said the association aims to see Africa competitive in terms of research and innovation instead of relying on other countries.
Meanwhile, there were panel discussions regarding bridging academia and industry and some issues that were raised included amongst others the need for a national agency to coordinate research between the industry and academia,challenges triggered by delay in enactment of policies, lack of funds and incentives as well as lack of knowledge.
The symposium brought together participants from different higher learning institutions and organisations with the objective to amongst others, explore practical strategies for addressing barriers to commercialisation and fostering impactful collaboration between academia , industry and government, as well as to explore challenges and opportunities in commercialising research, showcase best practice and success stories from innovation ventures.
It has been held annually since 2023. Botswana and Namibia are participating virtually.
ends