Research and development (R&D) plays a critical role in helping South Africa achieve inclusive growth, competitiveness and industrialisation, the key message shared by CSIR Executive Cluster Manager for Smart Mobility, Nomsa Dlamini, during a panel discussion at the Policy Dialogue titled “Industrial Innovation for Inclusive Growth and Competitiveness.”
Speaking at the session, Dlamini highlighted the importance of strengthening links between research, skills development, funding mechanisms and implementation pathways during a panel discussion on building inclusive innovation capability and support ecosystems for industrialisation, emphasising that this can be achieved by ensuring that innovation is translated into practical solutions, skilled talent and economic opportunities.
Held on 18 and 19 June 2026 at the Radisson Hotel and Convention Centre in Johannesburg, the event was hosted by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) and the Gauteng Industrial Development Zone (GIDZ), which brought together stakeholders from government, industry, academia and research institutions.
Dlamini noted, “South Africa has strong policies and incubation programmes, but they work in silos. The challenge lies in integrating these efforts effectively, strengthening implementation mechanisms and improving monitoring and evaluation to measure impact and drive growth.” She said while noting that the country already possesses significant research institutions, innovation programmes and a growing pool of young people with future-ready skills.
She further stressed that innovation delivers the greatest value when research responds to real-world challenges and is supported by partnerships that accelerate adoption and commercialisation. “There is a need to create pathways that enable young people to access and succeed in science, technology, engineering, mathematics and innovation (STEMI) careers, ensuring that the benefits of industrial innovation reach a broader segment of society,” Dlamini highlighted.
A welcoming spirit of partnership permeated the two-day event, with the organisation’s stand attracting engagement of delegates. Featured exhibits included CSIR-developed technologies, such as the logistics observatory, a web-based platform that integrates information on freight volumes and infrastructure performance into a centralised and reliable system; the Ilima application, an end-to-end logistics solution that connects small-scale farmers with other actors across their value chains. Together, these innovations reinforced the organisation’s commitment to R&D, in support of South Africa’s industrialisation and innovation path. Practical and deliberate outcomes were anticipated at the Policy Dialogue, where delegates were encouraged to adopt bold approaches to strengthening science and innovation in the country by exploring how a coordinated innovation ecosystem can convert research outputs into industrial capability, economic growth and sustainable job creation.
Published 30 July 2026