The first stakeholder workshop towards the establishment of a Regional Innovation Forum took place at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) on Friday, 5 February 2010. Professor Derrick Schwartz, Vice-Chancellor of NMMU, captured the essence of the workshop in stating that “it cannot be business as usual”, but rather we need to learn to “share resources in a more sustainable, innovative manner”. He referred to the roles of the “triple helix” of industry, higher education and government in driving innovation to meet the socio-economic challenges of the twenty-first century.

The workshop, officially opened by the Executive Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, was organised by the NMMU’s Department of Innovation Support & Technology Transfer, on behalf of COFISA (Cooperation Framework on Innovation Systems between Finland and South Africa), the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC) and the Department of Science and Technology, all of whom made brief presentations on the proposed innovation hub/system.

The discussion was dominated by a presentation on the potential for a Science Park in Nelson Mandela Bay, including proposed research areas that should be included in the proposed Science Park, based on the competitive advantage that the Nelson Mandela Bay region has in specific areas of innovative research and development. Included in the proposed research areas are nano-technology and a National Centre for Natural Fibre Research, specifically in the field of development of composite fibres.

The Regional Innovation Forum (RIF), which will be established over the next months by a Working Group arising from the stakeholder workshop, will drive the development of an innovation network in the Province.  Two RIFs are likely to be established: one in the Western Region (NMB and Cacadu) and one in the Eastern Region. The RIFs will provide a networking and supportive role for innovation, and will be part of developing and implementing a Provincial Innovation Strategy.

The Innovation Strategy is currently being developed by a Reference Group with membership from all stakeholders, and will be launched at an Innovation Summit, where specific projects and interventions towards innovation in the province will be presented.  The RIFs will form an important part of championing the projects and interventions, driving innovation at all levels in industry, academia and government.