Science Commission facilitates the development of strategy

The National Commission on Research, Science and Technology (NCRST) last week hosted a two-day stakeholder workshop to develop Namibia’s first National Strategy on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) Infrastructure.
The workshop, which was held in Windhoek, seeked to bring together stakeholders from all relevant bodies within the Research Science Technology and Innovation delivery funnel.
The workshop aimed to start the process of establishing relevant infrastructure and dedicated Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies that will cater for the enhancement and strengthening of RSTI value chain, in order for Research, Science, Technology and Innovation to successfully play its meaningful role of driving Namibia to becoming a knowledge based economy. The workshop also provides an opportunity for all Stakeholders countrywide, to discuss and present consolidated input towards the development of a National Strategy on RSTI Infrastructure.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr Eino Mvula, CEO of the NCRST said, “Research infrastructure plays a critical role in bringing together a wide diversity of stakeholders in an effort to find solutions to major challenges facing societies today in areas such as health, welfare, climate and energy and the like. With access to appropriate tools, research groups will be able to conduct high-quality, effective research aimed at solving these challenges”.
The National Strategy is set to harness and guide the operations pertaining to Research and innovation and how it is envisioned to create benefits through various technology transfer initiatives as well as support and facilitate research and development, education and innovation activities as well as the inclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Namibia.