Science, Technology and Innovation Division

Objectives of the Division

The broad objectives of this Division also combines scientific research outcomes which focus both on the understanding and application or maintenance of engineering principles as well as on the commercialization, technology management, intellectual property rights and related R&D support services. For now the major Divisional objectives are the following:

• Undertake and Promote Research and Development.
• Undertake and promote scientific research in innovation, value-addition, R&D-networking and commercialization.
• Undertake applied scientific engineering research (water, energy, civil infrastructure).
• Undertake research and promote technology and innovation management.
• Undertake research, promote and implement public-private-partnerships (PPP).
• Undertake research, promote and implement R&D collaboration with SMEs for quality control and import substitution in industry.  
• Promote mentoring, Capacity Building and Postgraduate Research Fellowship Program (PGRF).
• Undertake scientific research, promote and disseminate research outputs.
• Provide evidence-based advisory services. 

Research Programs

• Industrial Production Technology and Management
• Renewable Energy Technologies Management (RET)
• Indigenous Knowledge System Technology (IKST)
• Pharmaceuticals
• Water Engineering Technology and Management
• Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Development

1. Industrial Production Technology and Management

The general aims of this programme are to identify and develop the appropriate processing and production technologies for value-addition as may be relevant production requirements of local industries.

Program Research Areas

Appropriate SME Production Technology and Import Substitution:

• Scientific research and product development in mechanical engineering;
• R&D, commercialization (Innovation, value-addition, quality control, production economics, technology management, IPR);
• R&D for SME manufacturing (Import substitution);
• Private-public-partnerships, entrepreneurship for manufacturers;
• PGRF program

2. Renewable Energy Technologies and Management (RET)

The aims of this programme are to identify, design and fabricate renewable energy-powered technologies (RET) and service solutions. Apart from the commercialization focus, the also carries out scientific investigations to understand and apply the engineering principles underlying energy phenomena as well as to optimally manage energy supply systems.

Program Research Areas

R&D in RET focus areas:

• Scientific Research in energy technology and management;
• Design and Fabrication;
• Commercialization of (RET);
• Public-private-partnership;
• PGRF programme

3. Indigenous Knowledge System Technology (IKTS)

The general aims of this program are to undertake scientific research in IKST for product development as well as to promote, protect, record and disseminate IKST and IKS knowledge for preservation and further development.

Program Research Areas

R&D in IKST (Namibian traditional foods and beverages)

• Scientific research in IKST (medicinal and food);
• R&D, Innovation, value-addition and commercialization;
• Private-public-partnerships;
• PGRF programme

4. Pharmaceuticals

The general aims of this programme are to carry out scientific research on IKST to identify those with potential for economic benefit to Namibia and to further transform these products into the forms and services of standardized and scientifically authenticated quality.

Program Research Areas

Pharmaceutical Research

• health products
• Medicinal

In each of the research area the following will be carried out:

• Scientific Research;
• R&D;
• Commercialization;
• PGRF programme

5. Water Engineering Technology and Management

The general aims of this program are to study and apply engineering principles that underlie energy phenomena, in order to supply affordable energy to the majority of deprived Namibian citizens.

Program Research Areas

Water Research

• Hydrogeology
• Water quality

6. Civil Engineering and Infrastructure Development

The purpose of the programme is to develop the technology, material and human resources which will be able to address the needs for adequate housing, building skills, proper roads and appropriate building regulations.

Program Research Areas

Civil Engineering Research

• Appropriate Construction Technology
• Construction Management and Building Economics
• Public-private-partnerships with SME contractors