10 April 2008
Windhoek — THE Polytechnic of Namibia's plans to establish the country's first innovation centre gained further impetus last week, with the holding of a three-day stakeholders' workshop.
The workshop involved foreign and local experts and business leaders from industry and the small business sector.
The Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Tjama Tjivikua, said in a media statement on Monday that the Government and other stakeholders had long recognised the key role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) could play in supporting national development objectives such as job creation, economic growth and diversification.
However, he said, most SMEs have yet to fulfil their potential, providing compelling evidence indicating innovation has boosted developed economies even through SMEs.
"Inadequate business know-how, frequent inaccessibility and unavailability of support systems and a critical lack of entrepreneurial and innovative knowledge are major challenges facing SMEs in Namibia," Tjivikua said.
He said innovation was a proven stimulant for the formation of new businesses in a knowledge economy, gave fresh impetus to established businesses and had the power to re-energise national economic growth.
"To build and sustain local business innovation capacity, it is essential that we have a knowledge-based environment and a centre with the expertise, the resources and the dedication to promote business innovation, and nurture entrepreneurial talent amongst small and fledgling businesses," Tjivikua stressed.
Commenting on international collaboration, Tjivikua expressed his profound gratitude to all those willing to assist in establishing such a centre, thereby promoting an environment conducive to investment and expertise as would be facilitated by the Namibian Business Innovation Centre (NBIC).
He said the NBIC would combine expertise and resources from leading technology providers, local businesses, Government and international partners.
The Centre will also provide advanced knowledge and technologies to Namibian industry to enhance its innovation capabilities and strengthen its competitive advantage in the region and globally.
Nampa
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