Technology Linkages

The objective of the programme is to facilitate the establishment of industrial sector needs and offer support as required by the dti sectors. The Unit (Innovation & Technology), together with Trade and Investment South Africa (TISA), interacts with industry on integrated manufacturing strategies and technology issues such as: Industrial Sector Strategy; Technology Strategy following sector processes; Technology Profiles; Potential areas for Innovation; Potential support from Technology Programmes; Technology Balance of Trade The programme manager interacts with role players within and outside the dti with regard to industrial sector development and technology strategies for sectors, where areas of support in that regard are being determined. The programme is aimed at keeping industry well-informed about global technology development trends, where studies in that regard are conducted to determine those key technologies that would influence the competitiveness, sustainability and future development of South African industries. A technology strategy to react to such technologies that pose a threat or opportunity to South African industry should be established based on the results of the study and the ongoing global development trends. This includes research on the dependency of South African industries on foreign technology. Within the programme is the Technology Advisory Centre (TAC), which has just been established to cater for advisory services to the SMMEs who would like to participate in the dti Innovation and Technology programmes, and also information on other technology service providers outside the dti, be it government or private sector. Advice will also be provided based on current technology development trends. Feedback should be provided to programme managers with the aim of improving current programmes or establishing new ones that will cater for the development of the second economy. Contact Details: Ms Daphney Mhlanga Technology Linkages Tel: +27 (12) 394 1272 Fax: +27 (12) 394 2272 Email: Daphney@thedti.gov.za