Resource-Based Technology Innovation in South Africa
by GOSTNER, K., ROBERTS, S., CLARKE, A. & ILIEV, I., 2005Research Report, Employment Growth & Development Initiative, Human Sciences Research Council
In support of South Africa’s national R&D strategy of 2003, the Human Sciences Research Council and Mintek’s work programme on the resource-based technology clusters aims to identify policy measures to promote industrial diversification and indirect employment growth, based on the opportunities created by these sectors. It specifically considers how South Africa might promote beneficiation and lateral technology development, using know-how generated in resource-based industries. In the first phase of this research programme, which ended in 2004, the Human Sciences Research Council and Mintek cooperated in a review of resource-based technology clusters in the minerals and energy sectors. The Human Sciences Research Council prepared a preliminary theoretical framework for understanding innovation processes, as well as five case studies of innovation and lateral migration in the minerals and energy sector in South Africa; these case studies are presented in this paper. The five case studies are the Lodox low-dosage x-ray, Multotec process equipment (dense medium cyclone for materials), Gunric and RGR valves, innovations in South Africa’s off-grid concession programme, and prepaid metering technology in its energy sector.
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