UNAM surveys set R&D indicators
Chief Executive of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology, Dr. Eino Mvula (right) and Prof Lazarus Hangula, Vice Chancellor of the University of Namibia signing the agreement between the two research institutions to conduct a national Research and Development Survey.
The specific purpose of this agreement is to conduct a national Research and Development (R&D) survey as well as a national innovation survey to establish core Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Indicators. The surveys will be conducted under the auspices of the multidisciplinary research centre.
The commission’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Eino Mvula said the Science, Technology and Innovation indicators for Namibia are to be established according to international and regional practices.
This, Dr Mvula said, will allow for future setting of very specific targets as well as carrying out benchmarking studies to compare local indicator policies and performance with those of other countries.
Dr Mvula believes that institutions of higher learning should be given opportunities to perform some of these projects as they make use of students, building capacity in the process.
The terms of reference for the intended survey were drafted by a Joint Technical Committee between the Commission and the Namibia Standards Institution.
The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology as an agency is mandated with the co-ordination, monitoring and supervision of all research, science and technological activities with the emphasis on the competence and capability of researchers to do quality research.
The broad targets of the two intended surveys are obligates by the National Programme for Research, Science, Technology and Innovation. The specific outcomes are to determine existing competencies and to set benchmarks for future Research and Development.
The Science Commission has conducted several training workshops since last year, in partnership with the Centre for STI indicators at the South African Human Sciences Research Council. This collaboration takes place within the framework of the New Economic Partnership for African Development (NEPAD).
The most recent training workshops were held from 13 to 17 July this year to support the national implementation of sustainable and coordinated data gathering methodologies to develop and apply STI indicators and to create awareness on the importance of STI indicators and related evidence-based policies for a knowledge-based economy.
