East London:Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Professor Blade Nzimande is urging the East London Industrial Development Zone (ELIDZ) and its Science and Technology Park to lead the charge in innovation-led industrialisation, supplier development, and fostering inclusive economic growth in the Eastern Cape.
According to South African Government News Agency, Nzimande emphasized the necessity of a resilient National System of Innovation that connects research, skills, and technology with production and development needs of communities. He envisions Special Economic Zones evolving into dynamic ecosystems where various stakeholders such as laboratories, incubators, and investors collaborate on industrial missions.
The Minister proposed consolidating the existing regional innovation forum into a vibrant science, technology, and innovation forum for Buffalo City. This forum would aim to coordinate institutions, tackle development challenges, and support science and technology parks linked to SEZs across the Eastern Cape.
The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation has been actively supporting the ELIDZ through initiatives in collaboration with entities like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research and the Technology Innovation Agency. This support included funding the feasibility study that led to the establishment of the ELIDZ Science and Technology Park in 2014 and integrating regional platform elements into the TIA-ELIDZ partnership.
Nzimande highlighted the Eastern Cape's potential in building a coordinated innovation ecosystem by leveraging its educational institutions, manufacturing assets, and renewable-energy resources. East London's automotive industry, in particular, offers opportunities for advancing manufacturing capabilities and exploring new-energy vehicles and sustainable manufacturing.
He stressed the importance of fostering innovation-led industrialisation that benefits small enterprises, township and rural innovators, and women-owned businesses, extending its impact beyond the zone into the broader provincial economy.