1. Fostering Excellence Through Knowledge and Innovation
18 April 2016
Fostering Excellence Through Knowledge and Innovation

2. Presentation Outline Introduction National RST Programme
Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
Conclusion

3. Introduction RST Act of 2004 (Act no. 23 of 2004)
Section 4 establishes as a juristic person known as National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST)
Objectives
Ensure co-ordination, monitoring and supervision of RST in Namibia
Promote and develop RST in Namibia
Promote common ground in RST thinking across all disciplines
Encourage and promote innovative and independent thinking and optimum development of intellectual capacity of people in RST
Ensure dedicated, prioritised and systematic funding for RST
Promote linkages between Namibia and international institutions and bodies on development of RST

4. National RST Programme
In terms of Section 18 of RST Act, 2004
National RST Programme
Focus on NPRSTI
3 year programme (aligned with NDP cycle)
Developed through Stakeholder consultations
Approved by Cabinet (2015)
15 Thematic Priority Research Areas

5. RSTI Targets – how are we doing
National Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Programme (NRSTIP) 2014 to 2017
Toward a knowledge based society

6. NPRSTI STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
Toward a knowledge based society
Enabling policy and regulatory environment
Building research capacities
Promoting cooperation in R&I
Disseminating scientific and technological knowledge
Innovation in the economic and social sectors
Social and Economic Enablers
Health , Agriculture, Fisheries , Water, Energy,
Indigenous knowledge, Social Sciences and Humanities
Logistics, Environment and Tourism, Mining and Geosciences
Technology Enablers
ICT, Manufacturing technologies, Biotechnology, Space Science

7. Priority 1: Enabling policy and regulatory environment
Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
Commenced in December 2015 with the Review of current RST Policy 1999 to formulate new STI Policy
R&D and Innovation surveys in collaboration with NSA completed, report to be finalised in May 2016
National RSTI Priority set and NPRSTI Implementation plan of research activities for 15 priorities
Priority 1: Enabling policy and regulatory environment
Achieved
Launch of the fist National R&D and Innovation Census Report;
Biosafety Regulations Gazzetted and implemented;
Development of the new STI Policy and Bill;
Formulation of the of a 5 year NPRSTI for 2017/18 to 2022/2023
Planned

8. Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
NPRSTI 15 Priority Research Areas
Research Activities for 15 Priorities
Developed an Implementation Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation -Identified detailed annual work plans and with annual budget -Financing of Research activities through private and Public institutions
Achieved
Agricultures
Identified 78 research activities to be undertaken over 3 years
Budget of N$ 45 million
Lead institutions – NGO, GRN and HEI
Funding full committed

9. Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
In terms of Section 23 of RST Act, 2004
Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
Funding Programmes
PhD & Master’s research
Research Projects calls and Bilateral Research Projects
Funding Innovation
28 Master’s research supported at N$ 1.9 million invested and
30 PhD research at N$ 1,9 million invested
396 Applications
Processed
136 projects valued at N$ 27.0 million funded
32 Innovators supported at N$5.5 million invested in 11 Projects

10. Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
Priority 2: Building research capacities
Achieved

11. Agricultural related research projects funded (2013 to 2016)
Target Beneficiaries
Expected Outcomes
Total Agriculture projects Funded
Female PI's
Male PI"s
Approved 2 year funding
Collaborating Researchers 8 4
Individual Researchers & Students 11 7
Research Groups & Students -
PhD Researchers 3 2 1
Youth Innovators
Master's Researchers
Total 25 14
PhD
Master's
Undergraduates
Publications
Patents
Product / Service 2 5 3 4 18 9 1 7 11 21 14

12. Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH OUTPUTS
National Research Symposium
The NCRST successfully hosted the National Research Symposium (NRS) from 23 to 25 Septembers 2015.
Funded National ICT Conference, UNAM Research Conference, and NUST Research Conference
Priority 4:
Disseminating scientific and technological knowledge
Achieved
Planned
National Science Fair - September 2016
National Research Symposium - September 2016
Establishing the Namibia Women in Science, Engineering and Technology Chapter – by November 2016
Establishing the Academy of Sciences - by November 2016

13. Achievements and Planned Projects for NPRSTI Implementation
DISSEMINATION OF RESEARCH OUTPUTS
Priority 4:
Disseminating scientific and technological knowledge
National STI Information Portal
National repository and management centre for national STI information and related activities
Conducted an stakeholders Information needs assessment
Contributed financially to the publication of research articles in national Journals
Published book of Abstract for papers presented at Symposium
Achieved
Planned
Publish a book of abstracts for research supported by NCRST

14. Conclusion With the establishment of the NCRST we would expect:
improved coordination & funding of RSTI; and
development policy and legislative instruments to support growth of the RSTI for national development.
Need to bring industry and academia closer.
Continue to deepen the commercialization efforts of research results .
Enhance social innovation
Improve system monitoring and evaluation

15. Thank You