The ICT Roadmap, the Government initiative aimed at improving competitiveness in the local IT industry, will be covered at the Futurex 2004 conference.
Technology Roadmapping was developed as a tool to help businesses better understand their markets, and to make informed technology decisions. In his presentation, Department of Science and Technology (DST) director general Rob Adam will outline the aims and procedures involved in Roadmapping, as well the role that business should play.
The DST has contracted the running of the project to the CSIR. Project facilitator Tina James, who is working with the CSIR, says it is essential that local business play an active role in developing the roadmaps: "The ICT industry has to own the process, otherwise the initiative will fall flat on its face. Elsewhere in the world, roadmaps are generally championed by industry, but this is not the case locally."
In his presentation, Adam will explain how the roadmap process works and the role an ICT roadmap could play in developing pre-competitive technologies in the South African industry.
Various challenges will also be discussed, most notably how to get industry on board.
Elsewhere in the world, roadmaps are generally championed by industry, but this is not the case locally.
Tina James, ICT Roadmap project facilitator, CSIR
James believes there are a number of obstacles to overcome before this will be successful. "Persuading competitors in a small market to co-operate on technology development is difficult, and the ICT industry in this country is not investing much in R&D. Also, we need champions to come forward and drive this initiative, but it is not always easy to find them."
Another challenge is raising the level of understanding on DST `s role in facilitating the development of the ICT Roadmap. "Essentially, the DST are just the new kids on the block," says James.
Futurex 2004: The Conference will be held at the Sandton Convention Centre from 18 - 20 May.
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