CPUT is a trailblazer in research and innovation, so who better to call on for help when developing a new framework for innovation in South Africa.

Deputy-Vice Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo, has been appointed to a national task team that will pen a new framework for innovation in South Africa.

The task team, comprising key role-players in the South African higher education sector, was handpicked by the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI).

This body was created to advise the South African Minister of Science and Technology on the role and contribution that innovation plays in addressing economic, social, scientific and technology challenges.

Dr Nhlapo says their first task will be to “unpack the concept of innovation.”

According to NACI, innovation consists of three phases. The first is a conception of a new idea, while the second is the conversion of this idea into a product, service or process. The final phase is commercialisation or the successful uptake by users

However, Dr Nhlapo says that innovation is unfortunately often misunderstood, with many people limiting its scope to science and technology. He says innovation cuts across all disciplines, from science and technology right up to business.

“Innovation is not only for monetary gains. There is also social innovation, which benefits the community,” he says.

Dr Nhlapo says the task team will focus their attention on developing a national innovation framework that encompasses all disciplines.

During the next few months, they will also survey the South African innovation terrain between 1994 and 2011 and explore existing successful frameworks.

By: Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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If you are looking for funding or need some advice on all the administration processes linked to your Mtech or Doctoral studies, then a visit to the Centre for Postgraduate Studies is a must.

With branches at the Bellville and Cape Town campuses, this one-stop-shop caters for all CPUT postgraduate students who are in need of a helping hand.

Staffed by experts in various academic fields, the centre is renowned for going that extra mile to ensure the success of each and every postgraduate student.

Recently the centre held welcome and information sessions across the CPUT campuses, which was attended by large numbers of postgraduate students.

Director of the centre, Prof Daniel Makinde urged students to make use of their services and facilities.

Services include assistance with funding, administration, research guidance and mentoring for students and research supervisors. The centre also boasts a study hall for postgraduate students, where they have access to the Internet, various computer programmes and other resources.

“CPUT provides a good environment to study and obtain your qualification,” said Prof Makinde.

Deputy-Vice Chancellor Research, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships, Dr Chris Nhlapo also urged students to make a success of their postgraduate studies.

“This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.

Currently, South Africa produces just over 1000 PhD graduates a year, a low number compared to other developing countries, producing far larger numbers. During the next few years, South Africa hopes to up the number and produce up to 6 000 PhD graduates a year.

Dr Nhlapo said CPUT will play a key role in upping the PhD figures.

“We must make sure more young researchers get into the system,” he said.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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