eBusiness Weekly
Tawanda Musarurwa
HARARE – Industry representative body, the Confederation of Zimbabwe Industries (CZI) says it has begun to engage local Universities and tertiary institutions to enhance the contribution of Research and Development (R&D) in the economy.
“CZI has resolved to enhance partnerships with Universities and tertiary institutions to come up with innovations that stimulate economic growth. We will work with tertiary institutions to come up with technology transfer frameworks between industry and tertiary institutions,” said CZI president Mr Sifelani Jabangwe.
He was addressing delegates at a meeting between Government, tertiary institutions and business this morning. He said tertiary institutions should lead the way in driving Zimbabwe’s economic development.
“When we look at some of the sectors that we have got and perhaps the work that we have been doing, we have got the Cotton-to-clothing strategy, the Leather-to-leather products strategy and some of the key areas where our strengths lie, the foods industry, the pharmaceutical sector and the horticultural industries. So for our development we need significant participation of our (tertiary) institutions.
“Research and Development plays key roles in the success of business, it contributes to the success of businesses and helps us to achieve competitive advantage. Indeed it is well-known that in developed countries, a lot of the studies and researches that you see implemented by industries have actually come out of Universities. This is how they stay ahead of the curve and remain as dominant economics.”
According to the 2017 Manufacturing Survey it was noted that there is little collaboration between tertiary institutions and industry. Speaking at the same event President Emmerson Mnangagwa said institutions of higher learning should be key players in driving development efforts by ensuring that educational content remains relevant to the needs of the economy. President Mnangagwa is the Chancellor of all state universities.
“The education system is the pillar for the incubation of fundamental solutions to our nation. Institutions of higher learning should not be satisfied with a very high literacy rate or about how many graduates who have passed through their gates. They should instead harness their collective skills and intellectual capacity within their respective institutions to develop our beloved country.
“Education should be productive, it should be responsive and relevant to the needs of society for present and future generations,” he said.
