The International Science, Innovation and Technology Exhibition (INSITE) opened its doors in Johannesburg yesterday to 500 delegates from 13 countries.
INSITE showcases innovations, technologies and solutions that will drive SA forward and tackle key problems specific to this country. Speaking at the opening ceremony, science and technology minister Mosibudi Mangena pointed out several objectives for the three-day exhibition.
"We want to create an international marketplace for innovation, science and technology (IST) with a view to long-term sustainability, place a focus on IST solutions and promote IST partnerships for global sustainable development."
The exhibition should also provide networking opportunities within the industry and enable IST experts from across the globe to identify joint activities and initiatives, said Mangena.
Prior to 1994, local R&D research focused mainly on military capability and energy self-efficiency, and there remains a need for science and technology to focus on socio-economic issues, he added.
"Our R&D capacity is growing very slowly. A 2002 national R&D survey revealed an increase in R&D spending as a percentage of GDP from 0.69% in 1997 to 0.76% in 2001. We still have a long way to go before we can reach our intermediate target of 1%."
Mangena also highlighted the need for government to assume a leading role in developing science and technology, citing this as one of the most powerful tools for achieving sustainable development.
INSITE is being held at Gallagher Estate in Midrand and will be open until 5pm tomorrow. Click here for more information.
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