FOCuS ArEAS PrOgrAmmE

The CPUT focus areas Programme, which was finalised in 2014, is one of the outcomes of our ten year strategy for research and innovation, as described in the rTI 10-year Blueprint.

The concept of focus areas was initiated by the NRF in 2000. In a review of the NRF focus area landscape, Marais (2007) indicates four reasons offered for the radical shift in 2000 from the funding of curiosity-driven to steered problem-orientated research, i.e. firstly, the establishment of the “new” NRF incorporating the natural and social sciences; secondly, the national imperative of directing public resources towards addressing national challenges; thirdly, international reorientation from Mode 1 to Mode 2 in knowledge production; and fourthly, international best practices in public funding of research. All of these reasons are still relevant today, and are equally important to the context and rationale of the CPUT RTI 10-year Blueprint, and our forward looking objectives to produce research and innovation relevant to the social and economic development needs of South Africa.

In order to build critical mass and make effective use of limited resources, it is important for CPUT to have clear areas of focus over the next ten years. The bulk of our RTI efforts and resources will be concentrated on these focus areas. Each of these focus areas provides a basis upon which research and innovation niche areas will be developed within faculties, centres of excellence and research units over time.

The choice of these focus areas and the associated niche areas has been informed by:

• CPUT’s strengths

• Areas likely to make the strongest contribution to strategic imperatives

• Demarcating foci which are supportive of a multidisciplinary approach to research and innovation, and Mode 2 knowledge production

These focus areas are likely to evolve over time as strategic imperatives shift and CPUT’s strengths change. Thus it is important to ensure that sufficient flexibility within focus areas exists, and that periodic reviews are undertaken to assess relevance to CPUT’s growth trajectory, national imperatives, and orientation to Mode 2 research.

The identified focus areas (see DVC’s message on page 4) relate closely to the DST Grand Challenges, with niche areas within these relating to CPUT’s strengths and potential contributions to Western Cape strategic objectives, the South African National Development Plan and global Millennium Development Goals.

During 2014, CPUT embarked on a process of framing and scoping the RTI focus areas. The objectives of the finalised focus areas framing papers are:

• To provide a popular document to be disseminated across CPUT. Of importance is that the framing papers were drafted for assimilation by stakeholders both within CPUT and externally.

• To provide a framework for each focus area. Thus the framing papers provide delineation for CPUT research and innovation activity.

• Taking into account existing research and future trends, to suggest potential research niche areas (which could be considered for further development), as subsets of focus areas.

• To give an opportunity for CPUT academics to understand a focus area outside of their existing ambit of work, thereby providing a basis for interdisciplinary collaboration.

• To serve as a basis and a guideline for faculties and research centres and units, to conceptualise research niche areas that will promote inter-disciplinary (and inter-faculty) collaboration.

* The implementation of the CPUT RTI Focus Areas Programme is managed by the RTI-SIP office.

Skilling SA’s scientists and researchers

CPUT is one of several institutions that participate in a DST-Nrf internship programme offering science and technology graduates an opportunity to improve their skills whilst working alongside some of the country’s top researchers. This government initiative allows graduates to complete a 12-month internship at either a public or private host institution.

early in 2014, those who completed internships at Western Cape host institutions met at CPUT’s Bellville campus to share their research experiences with Mr Derek Hanekom, Minister of the DST, and other government officials. Mr Hanekom said he was impressed with the calibre of work showcased at the event. “This indicates that the internships are providing exactly what they are meant to, i.e. experience at the coalface of knowledge creation.”

“The rationale behind this programme was to provide unemployed graduates with a bridge to cross to gainful employment or further studies. So far the programme has been a resounding success,” he said. “of last year’s internship graduates, more than 40% entered employment shortly after completing their internship, and 29% pursued further studies. Close to 70% found further opportunities through the internship process. This is a good track record.”

Mr Hanekom urged the interns to ask difficult questions, keep learning, and make a positive contribution. His call was supported by CPUT’s VC, Dr Prins Nevhutalu, who said science and technology is key to improving the quality of life for all. Dr Nevhutalu said youngsters should be encouraged to consider careers in science and technology, and that CPUT intends to establish closer links with local schools to expose learners to the science and technology activities taking place at CPUT.

African universities gather in Cape Town under the banner of U6

academics from leading african universities gathered at CPUT in September to attend an international conference on research and innovation for sustainable development. The conference was organised by the U6, a consortium of six african universities formed in 2012 to promote collaboration between higher education institutions in africa. Member institutions of the U6 currently include: CPUT; the University of Ilorin, Nigeria; Bondo University College, Kenya; Kwara State University, Nigeria; the University of Gambia; and the University of Cape Coast, Ghana.

In his opening address, Dr Nevhutalu said that CPUT cannot achieve its goal of being at the heart of technology and innovation in africa without immersing itself in the ambitions and aspirations of africa as a whole. “you need no convincing of the potential of africa and african institutions – and particularly african intelligentsia, which is well represented here. It is this human capital – not just the rich deposits of gold in Ghana or platinum in South africa or oil in Nigeria, or wildlife resources across the african plains, or any of the other natural resources – that have made africa the go-to continent and that will light a fire to propel this giant forward. It is this human force that has to be used for the good of africa rather than as the force of destruction that we humans often become to ourselves and our finite environment.”

The keynote address about renewable energy and sustainable development was delivered by Prof Philip Lloyd from the energy Institute at CPUT. according to Prof Lloyd, society is faced with the challenge of balancing the social, economic and environmental challenges of sustainability and development.