BuaNews (Tshwane)
Kagiso Metswamere
5 May 2008
Mafikeng — At least 300 international researchers are to gather in Mafikeng for a research showcase which aims to highlight the value of information sharing between government and research institutions to improve socio-economic development.
The showcase will be hosted by the North West Research Coordinating Committee (NWRCC) in conjunction with the North West Provincial Government on Wednesday.
The research showcase, under the theme: "Accelerating socio-economic development through Research" will comprise an inter-disciplinary committee made up of a researcher and all relevant stakeholders. It is viewed as the best answer to a "collaborative research approach".
Chairperson of the NWRCC, Professor Job Mokgoro told BuaNews on Monday that reputable research institutions in South Africa will participate and will also exhibit their works.
"It is important to facilitate dialogue and networking between research institutions and government to accelerate socio-economic development.
"The main aim of the showcase will be to promote the importance of research knowledge in decision making in a changing 'business unusual' policy development," Mr Mokgoro said.
The showcase will host institutions such as the Council for Science and Industrial Research (CSIR) and Human Science Research Council (HSRC).
Others included will be the National Research Foundation (NRF), academic institutions and government departments.
Last month, North West Premier Edna Molewa led a high powered delegation of government representatives and business people on a trade mission in China.
Speaking at a media conference since her arrival back from China, Premier Edna Molewa said that research was an important focus area in the process of transformation, development and growth.
Premier Molewa said her business trip to China among others hinged on research and development that the province so desperately needed for its socio-economic growth.
"The coordination and integration of research with other initiatives is required to avoid duplication, waste of valuable time, energy and money.
"It is agencies such as the NWRCC that has the responsibility to bring researchers and policy makers together so that a permanent dialogue on the challenges facing the province and their solutions are established among them," she said at the time.
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