by THEMBAKAZI SITHOLE
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa must move beyond producing world-class scientific research and develop an inclusive innovation ecosystem capable of transforming discoveries into commercially successful industries, sustainable enterprises and broad-based socioeconomic development, according to Zamanzima Mazibuko-Makena, Senior Researcher in the Knowledge Economy and Scientific Advancement Programme at the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection (MISTRA).
She delivered the address during the inaugural Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I) Public Lecture hosted by the ST&I Business Forum at the Emperors Palace Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Held under the theme, A Public-Private Partnership Model for Science and Innovation, the event brought together government leaders, academics, researchers, policymakers and industry executives to explore how stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors can accelerate innovation-led development.
The programme was directed by Dr Nomhle Ngwenya, Chief Executive Officer of the ST&I Business Forum.
Speaking after Professor Rodney Priestley of Princeton University outlined the characteristics of successful global innovation ecosystems, Mazibuko-Makena turned attention to South Africa’s own innovation landscape, arguing that the country possesses significant scientific expertise but continues to face challenges in commercialising breakthrough technologies.
“We must build a more inclusive and nationally representative innovation system that strengthens existing pockets of excellence while ensuring that innovation benefits all South Africans,” she said.
She illustrated these challenges through the experience of Optimal Energy, the company behind the Joule electric vehicle.
Established in 2005, the company sought to build not only an electric vehicle prototype but also a globally competitive local manufacturing industry.
Supported by substantial public investment, Optimal Energy developed several working prototypes that attracted international recognition, including appearances at the Paris and Geneva motor shows.
However, despite its technological achievements, the company failed to secure the estimated R9.5 billion required for large-scale manufacturing and entered liquidation in 2012.
Mazibuko-Makena said the Joule demonstrated that technological excellence alone could not guarantee commercial success.
Instead, innovation depended on coordinated public policy, access to finance, supportive institutions, industrial capability and long-term government commitment.
Comparing the Joule with Tesla, she noted that although both companies emerged during a similar period, Tesla benefited from strong venture capital markets, consistent government support, advanced manufacturing infrastructure and a mature innovation ecosystem, while Optimal Energy operated within a fragmented environment.
She argued that African innovation policies must also address unemployment, inequality and poverty, rather than focusing solely on economic competitiveness.
Universities, she said, have a crucial role to play by supporting entrepreneurs, small businesses and underserved communities through access to research expertise, technology, specialised equipment and commercialisation support.
Mazibuko-Makena concluded that South Africa’s future competitiveness would depend on connecting researchers, universities, industry, government and communities within a coherent national innovation system capable of translating ideas into businesses, jobs and inclusive economic growth. “Our challenge is not a shortage of ideas,” she said.
“Our challenge is building an innovation ecosystem capable of taking those ideas from the laboratory to society.”
– CAJ News