Transcript Center for Applied Research and Technology

Polytechnic of Namibia
Centre for
Applied Research and Technology
Establishing the
Centre for Applied Research and Technology
(CART)
at the
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Background
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The Polytechnic has made great strides in the past
seven years
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Qualifications increased: 23 in 1996 to 60+ in 2002
Student numbers at rate exceeding 10% per annum
Institution is enjoying increased public and private support
Regarded as Namibia’s leading institution in applied science
and technology as key vehicle in human resources
development and in moving the country towards achieving
national long-term Vision 2030.
In the SADC region, the Polytechnic is now an institution of
note
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Background (cont)
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Faculty and student involvement in applied research in
cooperation with business and industry and
communities has grown slowly but steadily.
This research resulted in enhanced productivity in
business and industry and increased food production
in rural communities.
These successes were coupled by increased
pressure from beneficiaries and communities on the
Polytechnic to enhance its research and
consultation activities
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Peter F Drucker:
“ The comparative advantage that now counts
is the application of knowledge…
This means that developing countries can
no longer expect to base their development
on low wages.
They, too, must learn to base it on applying
knowledge.”
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Statement of Need
One of the aims of the government’s
economic policy:
“ Develop human resource capacities as well as
physical and economic infrastructure, and
through the combination, a national capacity to
innovate, research, create more knowledge to
reinforce our national development goals and
development programs.”
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART meeting PON Mission
CART as a vehicle to meet the
Polytechnic’s higher education mission for
applied research,
development of new knowledge,
stimulation of innovation and entrepreneurial
spirit
and to foster enhanced productivity.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART facilitates
The structure facilitates
faculty research and the use of educational,
laboratory and technology resources
to create new knowledge and deeper
understanding
for the Namibian professional and industrial
communities
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART’s Purpose
While CART will harness research and advance
knowledge within specific disciplines,
specific emphasis will be given to the support of
innovation and the creation of an enabling
environment for Namibians and Non-Namibians
to participate in research and economic
development.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Creation of an
Enabling Environment
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The identification and utilization of
resources
Initiating and developing research at
feasibility and implementation stages of
projects that were identified as viable to
broaden the local industry base
Technology assistance with product
adaptation, training, technical collaboration
and implementation
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART Structure and Operation
The structure and operation of CART must take
into consideration the unique characteristics
of Namibia
 It should recognize and utilize the current
strengths of Namibia while at the same time
address the current challenges of the country
 However, CART must also be able to
anticipate the emerging trends and
opportunities
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Need to Foster Cooperation
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Tertiary institutions capable of performing research:
PON and UNAM
Teachers and Vocational college
(limited research capabilities)
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Namibian-controlled research centres
(including those attached to the ministries like MME and Fisheries)
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Non-Namibian controlled institutes
(such as those sponsored by the UN and other governments, and
private foundations)
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What is lacking is a mechanism for fostering
cooperation between research organizations and
focussing their work to meet the needs of Namibia
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
THE VISION
CART’s
internal vision is to
become the pre-eminent organisation
for Applied Research and Technology
in Namibia
in support of
the external vision to
change Namibia to a developed country
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
THE MISSION
The mission of CART is
to contribute
to the sustainable development
through the support
and promotion
of applied research and technology
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
THE OBJECTIVES
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The functions of CART can be separated into those
that deal with applied research and those that deal
with the application of technology.
 In the area of applied research, the objective is to
strengthen the Namibian ability to adapt, optimize
and develop new technology to meet the needs of
Namibia.
 In the area of application of technology, the
objective is to strengthen the Namibian ability to
implement, in a sustainable fashion, technological
solutions for the people’s benefit.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART – Service Provider
To achieve these objectives, CART will provide a
service to the research community of Polytechnic
and Namibia.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Services and Aims
Provide research facilities for the research
community and constituents
 Provide and seek seed funding for start-up of
applied research projects
 Seek nationally and internationally for new
projects or product development opportunities
 Provide training for researchers and
constituents
 Provide an infrastructure for the development
of technology through applied research
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Services and Aims (cont)
Provide guidance and technical advisory
services for applied researchers and
developers of new technology
 Provide information on new development and
research opportunities
 Co-ordinate applied research and development
of new technology projects, executed by
Polytechnic researchers and other research
constituents and or industry
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Specific Aim #1:
Build the Internal Research Capacity of the PON
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
More About SA#1
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Determine PON areas of expertise  map
against the focus areas of Namibia.
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For some of these focus areas PON has existing
capacity in expertise, while in others, PON currently
lacks capacity.
The present capacity of PON lies in the fields of engineering,
information technology, agriculture and nature conservation.
Current applied research and development activities are thus
predominantly in these fields
Build capacity in the areas where PON lacks
 Strengthen capacity in the areas of existing
expertise
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Specific Aim #2:
Build the External Research Capacity through the
Coordination / Promotion / Guiding of Research
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
More About SA#2
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Building of a national, coordinated capacity.
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The coordination of applied research and
development of new technology projects
performed by research constituents nationally and
internationally
The promotion of cooperative applied research
projects between PON and other research
constituents.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
The Research Constituents:
PON Researchers
 Industry
 The Namibian Government and Ministries
 Rural Stakeholders
 Other Tertiary Institutions
 Other Research Centres
 Sponsors
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART as Research Broker
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CART will initially act as a research broker, scouting
nationally and internationally for new projects or
product development opportunities, provide information
on new development and research opportunities seek
and provide seed funding for start-up of applied
research projects
In the execution of applied research, CART’s aim is to
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provide research facilities for the research community and
constituents,
provide an infrastructure for the development of
technology through applied research,
provide guidance and technical advisory services for
applied researchers and developers of new technology.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Specific Aim #3:
Provide Technological Support for Namibian
Industry
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
More About SA#3
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In the optimum implementation and adaptation of
existing technology or the developing of new
technology, CART’s aim is to provide technological
research support as well as providing guidance and
technical advisory services for developers of new
technology and entrepreneurial businesses to do so.
Although CART will provide support and assistance to
all sectors of the Namibian Industry, special emphasis
will be given to SME’s in support of the broad based
and sustainable development of Namibia
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year
 Establishing
an infrastructure to organize,
drive and coordinate applied research
and development activities
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Set-up CART Office
Establish Steering Committee
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
CART Office
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The CART office will comprise a CART director
to lead and drive the initiative as well as
support personnel to assist the director.
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These support personnel will comprise
secretarial/administrative staff, database
programming and management staff as well as
marketing and PRO staff.
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The director and secretarial/administrative staff
appointments will be full time, where as the other could be
part time or on a consultative basis.
The office will operate under the auspices of the
Rector of Polytechnic.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Steering Committee
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The director will establish a steering committee
from the research constituents. This steering
committee will strategically supervise CART
and the establishment of capacity in specific
focus areas
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont)
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Identify Focus Areas
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Complete a capacity survey to identify Polytechnic
and other Namibian Institutions’ areas of expertise
Conduct workshops, conferences and meetings with
stakeholders to identify focus areas of Namibia
Map Polytechnic areas of expertise and Namibian
focus areas to identify gaps and decide on CART
focus areas.
Identify areas in which contract researchers must to
be sought
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont1)
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Organise training and information sessions for
Polytechnic researchers and other research
constituents
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Identify training and information needs of
researchers
Contract expertise to conduct training and
workshops to address the needs
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont2)
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Conduct a technology dissemination workshop
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Identify existing pilot areas of existing PON
expertise that can be extended to and implemented
in the Namibian Industry
Conduct workshop to initiate extension services in
these pilot areas.
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont3)
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Establishing a network of research constituents
and sponsors for cooperation
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Identify research constituents and activities in and
outside Polytechnic
Foster partnerships with other research and
development constituents
Compile an active database with information on
activities, contact and areas for possible
cooperation
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont4)
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Establishing a database for new opportunities
of applied research and development
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Subscribe to research opportunities lists
Hold meetings with research and development
constituents nationally and internationally to identify
new opportunities
Compile an active database with information
regarding these opportunities
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont5)
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Establishing a database of sponsors
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Execute a study of current and possible new
sponsors of research and development activities
Establish contact and partnerships with these
sponsors
Compile an active database with information
regarding these sponsors and the areas in which
sponsorships are available
Foster partnerships with identified possible
sponsors
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont6)
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Create an awareness of CART and its activities
amongst stakeholders
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Compile and distribute information brochures
Design and establish a CART website
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont7)
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Seek and find seed funding and award,
according to procedures, funds to the first
round of new projects
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Set-up procedures for the applying and awarding of
start-up funding to promising projects in defined
focus areas
Give first round of awards
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Activities for First Year (cont8)
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Establish and co-ordinate “peer-review” groups
in identified focus areas
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Scout and develop peer-review communities in
identified focus areas of research and technology
Develop database containing information on
researchers involved nationally and internationally
in these focus areas
Co-ordinate “peer-review” and facilitate publication
of research and development outcomes
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Outcomes for The First Year
The CART office will be established
 A Steering committee will be selected and
established
 Information regards to research activities,
research constituents and sponsors of
research and development activities will be
established and available in database format to
research constituents
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Outcomes for The First Year (cont)
Partnerships and cooperation agreements will
be established with other research
constituents, other researchers, developers
and sponsors
 The research capacity of Polytechnic and other
Namibian Institutions will be established
through a survey
 Focus areas of CART will be identified and
published
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Outcomes for The First Year (cont1)
Training workshops will be held to strengthen
the capabilities of Polytechnic and Namibian
researchers
 Technology dissemination workshop to initiate
extension services in pilot areas
 A website, hosting information about CART and
links to the various databases, will be running
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Outcomes for The First Year (cont2)
A short list of new research and development
opportunities will be published
 The first round of funds for new projects will be
awarded
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Meanwhile
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Interim Steering Committee
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The Rector, Dr Tjama Tjivikua
The Vice-Rector, Dr Gert Günzel
The Registrar, Mr. Cornelius Jafta
Chairperson of R3E Board and Exec, Dr Roland
Lösch
PIR Director, Ms Neavera Olivier
CART Project Leader, Ms Margaret van der Merwe
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Interim Action Plan
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Budget
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Compile a detailed budget
Get budget approval and allocation
Director and administrator
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Defining of profiles
Advertising
Appointing
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Interim Action Plan (cont)
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CART information material
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CART Information sessions
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PowerPoint presentation
Detailed document
Brochure
Senate
During recess
BOS’s
CART office facilities
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Conclusion
CART’s main purpose is to enhance
development in Namibia through the
implementation of technology supported by
applied research in order to ensure
sustainability.
 The success of CART will primarily depend on
the commitment from PON management, the
participation of staff as well as the leadership
of its director
 During the first year of CART, an extensive
strategic plan needs to be developed
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CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Finally: What can CART do for you?
Making it easier to concentrate your efforts on
research and development
 How?
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Making it easier to get involved in research
Assistance to execute “auxiliary” activities around
research, i.e. reporting, publication, “peer-review”,
quality assurance, etc.
Making it easier to find funds
Co-ordinate and focus research activities
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
What can you do for CART?
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GET INVOLVED
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COMMENTS AND INPUTS
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SHARE
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ASK FOR ASSISTANCE WHEN NEEDED
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe
Polytechnic of Namibia
Thank You, Questions?
CART – Presentation by M van der Merwe