CRSES Project Commercialisation Manager: Mrs. Sedzani Ratsibi
CRSES Project Commercialisation Manager, Mrs. Sedzani Ratsibi, attended the Inaugural National System of Innovation (NSI) Transformation Summit, held from 13 to 14 March 2025 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, Gauteng Province. The summit brought together policymakers, researchers, industry professionals, and civil society representatives for two days of focused discussions on how to accelerate and deepen transformation within South Africa’s NSI.
The event aimed to look at why, despite years of post-apartheid efforts, meaningful transformation within the NSI has remained slow and uneven. Participants engaged in a range of plenary and parallel sessions, tackling critical issues such as the transformation of knowledge for the country’s future, the role of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy in driving equity, and the importance of fostering inclusion across the research and innovation workforce. Conversations also focused on STI-driven industrialisation, green development, business innovation, and entrepreneurship.
In his keynote address, Minister Blade Nzimande emphasised the central role of science, technology, and innovation in advancing South Africa’s socio-economic development. He noted the urgent need for an NSI that is not only technically strong but also inclusive and aligned with the country’s development goals.
Mrs. Ratsibi’s reflections from the summit highlighted several important themes. There was a strong focus on transforming the NSI to better reflect the diversity of South Africa, in ensuring that people of all genders, races, and cultural backgrounds are represented in the science and innovation space was consistently raised as a priority. This inclusion is essential for unlocking fresh ideas and perspectives that can drive progress.
The summit also underlined the importance of building stronger connections between government, academia, industry, and members of the public. There was consensus that collaboration across sectors is key to making transformation real and lasting. In particular, the role of science and technology in addressing environmental challenges stood out, with speakers stressing the importance of sustainable, green development and the use of innovation to respond to climate change.
A recurring message was the need to support entrepreneurship and small businesses as part of a thriving innovation ecosystem. Startups and SMEs were recognised as critical drivers of economic growth and adaptability within the NSI.
According to Mrs. Ratsibi, the summit concluded with a clear call to action: transformation cannot be delayed or limited to policy discussion alone. All stakeholders must commit to setting measurable goals and taking practical steps to build an NSI that works for everyone.
