SAVANT, the vanguard of South African information and communications technology and electronic (ICTE) sectors, has successfully negotiated its first phase and is now securely established within its second and, as far as local interest is concerned, most mission-critical stage.
The SA brand awareness and marketing initiative, launched by trade and industry minister Alec Erwin in March, is in the global awareness phase of development and local businesses stand to benefit from their exposure to leads generated through marketing and promotion efforts.
"We have entered a highly strategic part of development. Our main focus now is to generate leads through international co-operation and increased awareness," says Sar'e Grobler, project manager: ICT and Electronics division, Trade and Investment South Africa, the Department of Trade and Industry.
"The run up to this stage saw SAVANT creating understanding and the means to participate with a focus on local buy-in. With the support we have received thus far, as well as government endorsement we have both at national and provincial level, our intention is to significantly raise the profile of the initiative and its participants on a global scale. There is a great deal of excitement at the moment and so far the logistics look solid."
Industry interest in the initiative heightened with the news that SAVANT would accommodate new members free of charge. Grobler says the campaign has the resources to accomplish its objectives and welcomes participation from those businesses that fit the criteria.
"We want to accommodate as many credible businesses as we can, but obviously our focus is on six areas within these specific sectors. Although we still offer free membership, our criteria for inclusion also still applies," explains Grobler.
Aside from pressure to deliver, a notoriously murky area within these two sectors, the SAVANT campaign has the challenge to bring to fruition fresh international business leads and align the cream of SA's ICTE crop with these opportunities.
"This is a vital phase. It is here where we have to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak," explains Grobler. "We have created the infrastructure, established the connection and have ensured that resources are available to sustain lead generation and logistics. TISA, in conjunction with the ICT Development Council and the Department of Trade and Industry, are working closely with each other to ensure businesses are kept abreast of any spin-off opportunities. We are delighted with the response we have gained and there has always been a need to promote locally applied innovation within these sectors. Obviously, SAVANT fits the profile of the right organisation to facilitate and co-ordinate efforts to establish the country's name abroad," she adds.
Like Grobler, Erwin believes the campaign will go a long way to help establish the local brand abroad, and a self-generating business network is very likely.
"We are very positive at this juncture within the campaign. Although there is a long way to go yet, all indications are that definite progress has been made and within a relatively short space of time. Delivery is the yardstick by which our performance will be measured and we look forward to companies establishing international presence as a result of their membership to SAVANT. Our goal is to establish a viable international business network central to the development of locally produced technology, related services and innovative solutions," says the minister.
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