After working together for two years, SAP Research and the Meraka Institute of Technology have formed the Meraka/SAP Unit for Technology Development, which will focus on driving technology-related projects in emerging economies.
This joint venture formalises co-operation and collaboration between the Meraka Institute, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and SAP Research, according to a statement.
"We are responsible for research groups in both Europe and SA, and SAP has now begun to see SA as a priority," said Joachim Schaper, VP at SAP Research, speaking at the CSIR Conference Centre yesterday.
The DST is dedicated to giving support to this initiative because it "lies at the centre of what government is doing - using ICT to deal with issues such as poverty," explained Dr Philemon Mjwara, director-general of the DST.
"Leadership from our government, Europe and SA working together is very helpful," said Johan Eksteen, research group manager, the Meraka Institute.
Meraka will receive financial support for the unit from SAP for an initial five-year period and the DST will match SAP`s financial contribution.
"Our aim is not that this initiative will play an important role in SA only, but extend to the whole of Africa," Mjwara continued.
"This project has been like giving birth and raising a child - there have definitely been tough times," Schaper said. "This is more than peer-to-peer research, we are aiming towards excellence in SA."
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