DST promises bio-tech boost

Johannesburg, 24 Jul 2009

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) says the biotechnology industry must be developed in SA and the region, to ensure the advancement of therapies for treating disease.

Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor says SA has recognised the importance of a successful biotechnology industry and many structures have been established across the country to enhance research and innovation. "This is a sector that we have to build and grow. We want to make SA one of the top 10 nations in the world by 2018."

The integration of the regional biotechnology innovation centres into the recently established Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) would improve government efforts, she adds. CapeBiotech, BioPAD, LIFElab and PlantBio are the innovation centres, which have migrated to the TIA.

The TIA has been established as a public funding agency tasked with converting local research and development into commercial products and services. The agency, which is chaired by Mamphele Ramphele, is tasked with stimulating the development of technology-based enterprises, developing a technology base for the local economy and facilitating the development of skills for innovation.

Pandor notes that the heavy burden of disease in southern Africa created the need for added investment in biotechnology solutions.

"The development of research and innovation platforms and programmes will facilitate rapid drug discovery, drug design and development, and advances we hope will help us produce radical and affordable treatments and cures," says the minister.

The DST remains committed to realising objectives set out in its National Biotechnology Strategy and 10-year innovation plan to promote innovation through the funding, support and commercialisation, she adds.

"Although the development of a sustainable and vibrant biotechnology industry remains a complex task, and although the global biotechnology environment is highly competitive, we are confident that SA will be successful."