Revised National Science, Technology And Innovation Policy (Nstip) (2020-2030)

Section 2 will give a background to the policy review, while Section 3 indicates the rationale for replacing the NRSTI Policy of 1999 and the formulation in the context of Namibia’s Vision 2030, NDPs and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (2016/2017 - 2019/2020). Section 4 includes to the alignment to legal frameworks/instruments be it national, regional, international, protocols and conventions ratified by Namibia. Section 5 elaborates on the key fundamentals on which the policy is anchored in regard to the aspirations of the country.

Section 6 clearly states the Vision, Mission and Goals of the Revised NSTIP (2020-2030). It states the desired end results that the policy aims to achieve to make Namibia an innovation- driven and knowledge-based economy. Section 7 and 8 outline the nine objectives and twenty strategies to achieve the above goal.

Section 9, the Implementation Arrangements, outlines the different frameworks and arrangements for the implementation of the policy. This includes the administrative and institutional structures, legal and regulatory arrangements as well as Monitoring and Evaluation plan. The roles and responsibilities of each of the stakeholders are also carefully looked at and assigned accordingly. Sub-sections will deal with Institutional Arrangements/Framework, 1 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Legal and Regulatory, Resource Mobilisation, Monitoring and Evaluation framework and Reporting and Advocacy and Dissemination (Communication Strategy) sections.

Section 10 deals with the Implementation Action Plan of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (2020-2030) IAP (2020-2030) which state the outputs, key indicators, baseline data and time frames that cut across sectors, themes or geographic areas, as well as use multi-disciplinary approaches. It involves multiple institutions supported by several different funding sources to achieve the achievements of the objectives. Section 11 will be the conclusion of the Revised NSTI Policy which is followed by the annexure and bibliography. 2. BACKGROUND Although Namibia’s National System of Innovation (NSI) has grown in size and complexity, the institutional landscape has not stimulated scientific growth and technological dynamism. The current links between universities, R&D institutes and industry are weak. Private sector participation in R&D is limited while a weak entrepreneurial and innovation culture is a barrier to job creation and economic diversification. Whereas Namibia has various sectoral policies for STI, these are not well coordinated and implemented, hence the failure to impact the country’s development priorities. The NSI also lacks a well-defined information management system, with reliable STI indicators and statistics that facilitate performance monitoring and impact evaluation over the short-, medium-, and long-terms. Namibia has a wide range of opportunities to attain its Vision 2030—to become an industrialized, prosperous and high growth economy—and secure the global (SDGs) and aspirations of the African Union (AU) as articulated in Agenda 2063. Firstly, the country experiences political stability and relatively good governance1. Since becoming independent in 1990, Namibia adopted a progressive Constitution and held peaceful presidential and parliamentary elections. Secondly, Namibia is an upper middle-income country with good macroeconomic conditions. The economy has performed relatively well over the past two decades despite shocks and a slowdown attributed to the global economic crisis of the past decade. Thirdly, Namibia has deepened its participation in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), AU and the United Nations (UN). It has also established numerous bilateral arrangements with many countries around the world. The country’s trade and economic relations have grown considerably and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows increased over the past two decades. This has exposed Namibia’s economy to a global pool of scientific knowledge and new technologies; and has widened possibilities of spurring industrialization and export-led development. Lastly, there has been a resurgence of attention to science, technology and innovation (STI) as critical components in national economic change and development. The Government of Namibia recognizes that Vision 2030 will not be attained without investments in STI. This is manifested in the integration of STI considerations into Vision 2030, and the National Development Plans (NDPs) as well as organizational developments associated with the operationalization of the National Commission on Research, Science and Technology HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 2 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) (NCRST) in 2013, the transformation of the former Polytechnic of Namibia into the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the creation of the Business and Intellectual Property Authority (BIPA). Namibia also adopted a number of regional and continental strategies that emphasize the role of STI in sustainable development. These include the African Union (AU), Agenda 2063 and the related Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy 2012-2024 (STISA 2024) as well as the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation (2008). The MHETI in collaboration with the NCRST are facilitating the review of the country’s national policies for STI and strengthening the National System of Innovation (NSI). In 2013, the NCRST operationalized the National Research, Science and Technology Fund (NRSTF), which is established in terms of the Research, Science and Technology Act (Act 23 of 2004) and coordinated the development of the National Programme on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (NPRSTI1) for the period 2014/2015 to 2016/2017. The Commission is also investing in a wide range of other measures, including conducting the national Research and Development (R&D) survey. This policy is based on the review of the NRST Policy of 1999 and the NSI. The NSTIP policy aims at mainstreaming STI considerations into all facets of Namibia’s socio-economic structure and activities. It will be a core part of the tools that the country will use to achieve Vision 2030: “a prosperous and industrialized Namibia, developed by her human resources, enjoying peace, harmony and political stability.”2 The Vision 2030 document emphasizes the role of STI in the achievement of the nation’s aspirations or goals. It states that by 2030 Namibia will have an education and training system that is geared to developing relevant skills in fields of science, mathematics and engineering; and having a highly skilled technical workforce to drive industrialization. The development framework also outlines a range of measures that will be instituted to build a strong research and innovation system. The measures include increased financing of research in national institutions, incentives for enterprises to engage in research and technological innovation; and strengthening of regional and international cooperation in science and technology. 3. RATIONALE Since its adoption of the National Policy Research, Science and Technology Policy (NPRST) of 1999, many changes have taken place within the nation’s socio-economic and political fabric, as well as in the global geopolitical setup. The Revised NSTIP policy replaces the National Research, Science and Technology Policy of 1999 to ensure sets of policy instruments and institutional arrangement integrate STI in national socio-economic development processes in accordance to the highest priority. The Revised NSTIP is formulated in the context of Namibia’s Vision 2030, NDPs and the Harambee Prosperity Plan (2016/2017 - 2019/2020) and provides comprehensive national STI policy to respond to changes taking place within the nation’s socio-economic and political fabric, as well as in the global geopolitical setup. The Revised NSTIP is a policy covering three interrelated domains: science policy, technology 3 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION policy and innovation policy. The NSTIP is founded on a conceptual framework espousing the National System of Innovation (NSI) approach—a metaphor that enables the policy to deal with the systemic nature of science, technology and innovation activities and related institutional arrangements. This eschews the linear approach to organizing national activities around stand-alone research programmes and places emphasis on improving the quality and intensity of interactions of all institutions—public and private, formal and informal— engaged in the production, procurement, introduction and application of economically valuable knowledge. Thus, a national system of innovation can only be judged as healthy if the knowledge, technologies, products, services and processes have been converted into increased wealth by industry and business, and into an improved quality of life of society. 4. ALIGNMENT The Revised NSTIP (2020-2030) has been developed and adopted to respond to imperatives emerging from Vision 2030, the NDPs, SDGs, the national policies, National Acts such as the Research, Science and Technology Act of 2004 (Act 23 of 2004), various sectoral plans and the regional, international, protocols and conventions ratified by Namibia as well as alignment to Southern African Development Community (SADC), the African Union, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) United Nations, and the Commonwealth bodies. The NRST Policy of 1999 is founded on a clear conceptual framework and contains explicit policy measures for the promoting and governing of technological development and innovation. The Revised NSTIP (2020-2030) has articulated specific policy measures that will ensure that investments in scientific research have a direct focus on addressing national socio-economic challenges and taking advantage opportunities that exist both nationally and internationally. Government recognizes that there is a wide range of desirable but not necessarily feasible policy measures. The Revised NSTI Policy outlines those measures that the Government will be able to efficiently and effectively implement over the next eleven years. It is not about statements of intent, of what is desirable to develop the NSI but what is achievable given Namibia’s current and projected human resource, institutional and infrastructural capacities. The implementation of the Revised NSTIP will be inspired by gains made over the past two decades. While the Revised NSTIP replaces the NRST Policy of 1999, there will be a gradual introduction of new policy measures to reduce unnecessary discontinuation of effective policy activities initiated prior to the implementation of the Revised NSTIP. 5. GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF THE POLICY The design and implementation of the Revised NSTIP (2020-2030) is guided by the following principles: 1) Policy harmony Policy coherence and effective policy implementation are critical to the attainment of the goals set in this policy and Vision 2030 in general. Therefore, it is important to build coherent HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 4 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) policy, legislative and regulatory frameworks that are needed for a strong dynamic national research and innovation system. This will require constant up to date policy instruments for education and training in STEM, intellectual property protection, specific technology policies for new and emerging technologies, and sectoral policy frameworks that promote scientific research and technological innovation. Key to this are the reconfiguration and strengthening of the current institutions, the creation of effective mechanisms that promote inter-ministerial articulation and synergies, the strengthening of executive leadership for STI, and the building of active participation of the legislature in ensuring executive accountability. 2) Governance To achieve policy coherence and ensure that measures articulated in this policy are implemented, it is important for the Government to establish appropriate institutional arrangements between regional councils, local authorities, public and private sector institutions. A functioning and productive national research and innovation system is largely characterized by intense institutional linkages and collaborations between public research institutes and universities, between university and private companies, between public research institutes and companies, and intensified collaborations among public institutions in general. The development of a common platform and formal procedures for communication, consultation and participation between all role players is required to plan, implement, monitor and manage STI, R&D and innovations nationally. Research and innovation thrive if there is adequate, predictable and sustainable or long- term funding. Namibia needs adequate increased financial resources dedicated to research and innovation. Its gross expenditure on R&D is less than 0.5% of the GDP, way below the target of 2% of the GDP that was set by the strategies of the African Union and SADC. 3) Partnerships Globalization, relatively high costs of scientific research and the increasing convergence of technologies make it almost mandatory for countries, both developed and developing, to invest in STI partnerships and cooperation in general. For developing countries such as Namibia partnerships in research and innovation are crucial for leveraging and using the growing pool of scientific knowledge, have access to modern technologies and build endogenous capabilities. 4) Human, institutional and infrastructural Capacity Research and innovation infrastructure, including equipment, facilities and networks, and technology standards are crucial for the growth and performance of the National System of Innovation. STI, R&D and innovation require new facilities, particularly laboratories, and equipment of different kinds, as well as, depend on integration of various networks. Related to infrastructure, technology and technical standards are important to spur innovation and industrial competitiveness. Developing, efficiently utilizing and maintaining good STI infrastructure and technical standards are thus critical for a country such as Namibia. The existence of an adequate number of fulltime equivalent researchers and technicians well as practicing engineers is critical to the productivity and dynamism of any national research and innovation system. TVET can make an important contribution to skills, as well as to human resource development in a scientific productivity and technological economy. 5 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 5) Gender equity A gender and equity sensitive approach has the potential to define appropriate interventions for men and women, youth, children, the elderly, and other previously disadvantaged, marginalized and vulnerable communities and people with disabilities. All STI interventions shall aim to systematically address their concerns through gender and equity analysis and planning. The interventions shall be designed to enable an inclusive equal participation in, and benefit from STI development efforts. 6) Sustainable development The economic competitiveness and industrialization of Namibia are to a large measure based on building the country’s manufacturing capabilities. Manufacturing, which is much about the transformation and value-addition of Namibia’s natural assets, as well as exploitation of new advanced manufacturing technologies to produce goods and services efficiently, is key to creating new jobs or youth employment, increasing high value technology exports, diversifying economic activities, and lifting many households out of poverty. The successful transition to a knowledge-based, industrialized and prosperous country will address a wide range of societal challenges. The national development intervention should prioritize the attainment of SDGs with emphasis on ending poverty and hunger, improving human health and wellbeing, improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities, access to environmentally sound energy, and enhancing environmental sustainability. 6. POLICY DIRECTION 6.1 Vision Namibia is an innovation-driven, scientifically advanced and industrialized nation by 2030. 6.2 Mission To entrench the application of science, technology, and innovation in all sectors of the Namibian economy to achieve the goals of Vision 2030. 6.3 Goal The goal of this Policy is to promote and foster the development and application of science, technology and innovation in all spheres of our society to advance socio-economic growth. 7. OBJECTIVES The overall objective of this Revised NSTIP (2020-2030) is to grow Namibia’s NSI into a dynamic and strong configuration of public and private institutions that produce, use and govern science, technology and innovation for sustainable development. This policy contains nine objectives: 1. To improve policy, legislative and regulatory environment 2. To promote strategic partnerships and collaborations 3. To improve scientific and technical competences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 6 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) 4. To improve gender equality and mainstreaming in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) 5. To increase the utilization of scientific and technical knowledge for societal advancement 6. To promote a culture of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship 7. To accelerate research in the areas of technological advancement in TVET 8. To improve research and innovation infrastructure provision; and 9. To increase scientific productivity and technological output. 8. STRATEGIES Namibia aspires to be a prosperous, industrial and high growth economy by 2030 that is driven by manufacturing of high value export. Recent studies show that Namibia has a relatively small national system of innovation (NSI) characterized by a few public R&D institutions, higher education institutions comprising of two public universities, a few vocational training centres, industry that is largely foreign owned and local Small and Medium Scale Enterprises. The attainment of Vision 2030 goals will involve a transitioning into a knowledge-based economy, investment in R&D by national science and technology enterprises and through enhancing scientific and technological innovations in its public, private and academic sectors. The strategies for this Revised NSTIP (2020- 2030) should involve the promotion of linkage and collaboration between public and the private sector working to complement each other, to make the NSI function and productive. The objectives contain twenty strategies to grow the NSI and the Government of the Republic of Namibia will restructure the R&D institutional configuration and create mechanisms for strengthening links between public R&D and industry. Objective 1: To improve policy, legislative and regulatory environment Strategy 1: Align STI legislative and regulatory environment and frameworks to national, regional and international development policies Develop and review public policies pertaining to STI to ensure that they are aligned to national, regional and international development policies. Policy awareness will be raised through advocacy and public awareness campaigns. Strategy 2: Build national capacity to enhance the use of scientific data for evidence-based policy development Establish programmes for training in science, technology, and innovation policy development. Develop guidelines on the procurement and use of scientific evidence in policymaking and development of national plans through the national academy of sciences. Strategy 3: Improve standards of Technology Support Institutions Assess and improve standard setting mechanisms of technology support institutions to improve technology prospecting and procurement quality. 7 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Objective 2: To promote strategic partnerships and collaborations Strategy 1: Engage with private sector and build public-private partnerships Invest in programmes that support collaborations that directly add value to R&D and innovation activities of Namibian institutions, particularly public universities, R&D institutes and companies. Strategy 2: Strengthen national, regional and international partnerships Support and increase funding R&D and innovation activities through building effective national, regional, and international partnerships. Objective 3: To improve scientific and technical competences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strategy 1: Strengthen human resources in STEM and increase full-time equivalent (FTE) researchers Invest in post-graduate training and fellowship programmes dedicated to STEM, focusing on national development priorities. Strategy 2: Build capacity in the creation, management and use of intellectual property works Develop and implement programmes that support researchers, technicians, legal practitioners, and entrepreneurs in the management and use of intellectual property rights. Objective 4: To improve gender equality and mainstreaming in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Strategy 1: Establish and improve programmes that support women’s participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Establish and improve programmes that support women’s participation in science education, science careers and as leaders and decision makers. Strategy 2: Support the role of women in innovation systems Design, develop and implement gender-responsive innovation support programmes. Objective 5: To increase the utilization of scientific and technical knowledge for societal advancement Strategy 1: Build strategic technology prospecting, fore-sighting and procurement Strengthen institutions to facilitate multi-disciplinary scientific research. Establish technology parks and information centres with a focus on national priorities in STI. Objective 6: To promote a culture of science, technology, innovation and entrepreneurship Strategy 1: Promote public understanding of science, technology and innovation Develop and conduct programmes geared towards the promotion of STI among the youth and communities. Establish STI demonstration centres to popularize and sensitize STI in society and promote public dialogues between scientist and citizens. HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 8 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) Strategy 2: Promote technology audits by enterprises Establish initiatives that promote techno-preneurship to increase the creation and growth of technology-based enterprises. Capacitate and invest in SMEs to conduct audits and develop technology strategies. Strategy 3: Establish national innovation promotion schemes Establish national and regional platforms, incubation centres and technology transfer offices to spur innovation and entrepreneurship. Encourage universities and TVETCs to offer tertiary education programmes on innovation and entrepreneurship at certificate, diploma and degree levels. Strategy 4: Strengthen small and medium scale enterprises Provide incentives to enterprises that procure new ideas and R&D services from research institutions and TVETCs. Increase the support to enterprises that introduced new products, practices, and services into the economy, as well as those that export locally developed new products. Objective 7: To accelerate research in the areas of technological advancement in TVET Strategy 1: Support technical and vocational research skills Provide incentives to industry to increase bilateral and multilateral capacity-building cooperation in TVET to enhance high level TVET skills, resources, facilities, productivity and international competitiveness in a scientific productivity and technological economy. Strategy 2: Promote research to bridge the gap between TVET and higher education Develop and implement programmes that are aimed at using of evidence-based research to bridge the gap between TVET and higher education. Objective 8: To improve research and innovation infrastructure provision Strategy 1: Develop and improve effectiveness of research and innovation infrastructure Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the current state of R&D infrastructure. Strengthen support for infrastructure improvement for existing R&D institutions and development of new R&D institutions. Strategy 2: Develop and improve national platforms of research and innovation excellence Establish a network of excellence in science and innovation, located in regions of strategic importance based on regional needs and comparative advantages. Objective 9: To increase scientific productivity and technological output Strategy 1: Increase research and innovation for manufacturing and industrial competitiveness Increase manufacturing output by providing support to institutions that harness the use of technology in manufacturing. Encourage SMEs to use advanced manufacturing technologies to improve output and competitiveness. 9 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 9. IMPLEMENTATION ARRANGEMENTS Policy coherence and effective policy implementation are critical to the attainment of the goals set in this policy and Vision 2030 in general. To achieve policy coherence and ensure that measures articulated in this policy are implemented, it is important for the Government to establish appropriate institutional arrangements. The most crucial arrangements are the reconfiguration and strengthening of the current implementing agencies, the creation of effective mechanisms that promote inter-ministerial articulation and synergies, the strengthening of executive and presidential leadership for STI, and the building of active participation of the legislature in ensuring executive accountability. In this regard the Government of the Republic of Namibia will implement the following institutional reforms: 9.1 Institutional Arrangements The Ministry responsible for RSTI and the pre-existing agencies, together with the public universities facilitate the implementation, monitoring and evaluation of the Revised NSTIP and promotion of inter-sectoral policy implementation coherence, as the Revised NSTIP will require the active participation of all role players of the National System of Innovation (NSI). The main actors in the NSI are from: INSTITUTION ROLE As custodian and implementing authority, the institution will provide technical and administrative leadership in collaboration with a cross section of Ministry of Higher Education stakeholders guided by the mandates and primary Technology and Innovation responsibilities of their respective Ministries, Offices and Agencies (OMAs), private sector institutions and civil society organizations. National Commission on Provides for coordination, promotion and Research, Science and development of Science, technology and Technology innovation and facilitate linkages/collaborations. Focal point for registration of business and industrial Business and Intellectual Property property, and to administer and protect business Authority and intellectual property rights. Communications Regulatory Contributes to the protection of Intellectual Property Authority of Namibia Rights in the electronic communication sector. Providing public/government land and infrastructure Local Authorities to companies that establish R&D and technology development facilities in the country. Ministries with STI components: Ministries of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform; Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs; Ministry of Directorates responsible for RSTI and/or engineering Fisheries and Marine Resources; to contribute to determining national R&D Ministry of Health and Social and innovation priorities for implementation Services; Ministry of Information programmes. and Communications Technology; Ministry of Mines and Energy and Ministry of Safety and Security HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 10 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) INSTITUTION ROLE Ministry of Education, Arts and Increases gender equity in STEM in school curricula. Culture Directorates responsible for RSTI to contribute the Ministry of Environment, Forestry Bio-economy strategy and to determining national and Tourism R&D and innovation priorities for implementation programmes. Provides for incentives and financial directives towards funding science, technology and Ministry of Finance innovation. Provide support/facilitate import and or export of scientific research equipment, customs and excise duties. Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Increases gender equity in STEM careers, governance, Eradication and Social Welfare strategies and STI decision-making positions. Providing infrastructure and resources to increase the creation and growth of technology-based Ministry of Industrialization and enterprises for developing technologies and/ Trade or techniques for value addition and advanced manufacturing technologies in priority sectors as in the national Growth at Home strategy. Increasing the focus on science and innovation Ministry of International Relations into the Ministry of International Relations and the and Cooperation country’s foreign policy in general. Promotes best practices of creating and growing enterprises that generate and commercialize Ministry of Public Enterprises technology. Supporting public sector to conduct technology audits and design firm-level innovation plans. Supporting research and innovation projects that aim at developing technologies and/or techniques Namibia Chamber of Commerce for value addition in priority sectors as in the and Industry national Growth at Home strategy. Increasing local industrial engineering companies using advanced manufacturing technologies. Namibia Institute of Public Promotes STI policies advocacy and public Administration and Management dialogues on STI between scientists and citizens. Promotes SMEs in-house R&D and forge collaboration with public research institutes to Namibia Manufacturing introduce scientific output into the economy. Association Increasing local industrial engineering companies using advanced manufacturing technologies. Namibia Students Financial Funds students pursuing multi-disciplinary scientific Assistance Fund research. Evaluates and accredits courses on innovation Namibian Qualification Authority and entrepreneurship at certificate, diploma and degree levels. 11 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION INSTITUTION ROLE Conducts biennial national R&D and Innovation surveys to cause the production of appropriate and Namibian Statistics Agency relevant indicators for use to monitor the state of and trends in NSI developed. Science, technology, innovation and engineering sections to contribute to determine national research and development priorities for implementation programmes. Supporting research and innovation projects that aim at developing Namibia Training Authority technologies and/or techniques for value addition in priority sectors as in the national Growth at Home strategy. Designs and offers courses on innovation and entrepreneurship at certificate, diploma and degree levels. Increases representation of private companies in the governance of STI, increase international bilateral and multilateral STI cooperation agreements, active participation in SADC and National Council for Higher AU processes and programmes. Develop and Education maintain databases on international and national STI cooperation agreements, external funding for domestic research and innovation secured and number of Namibians trained in postgraduate studies in STEM subjects in partner countries. Enhance multi-disciplinary scientific research. Non-governmental Organizations Establish technology parks and information centres with a focus on national priorities in STI. Supporting research and innovation projects that aim at increasing local industrial engineering using advanced manufacturing technologies by bilateral Private Sector and multilateral capacity-building cooperation in TVET and research institutions. Conduct technology audits and design firm-level innovation plans. Universities should promote, monitor and evaluate joint research projects among public institutes, and Public Universities joint technology development and transfer activities (Namibia University of Science between public and private sector institutions, and Technology and University of exchange and mobility of scientists and engineers, Namibia) technology licensing agreements, and sharing of information and technology infrastructure. HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 12 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) INSTITUTION ROLE Providing public/government land to companies that establish R&D and technology development facilities in the country. Establish technology parks, Regional Councils information centres and platforms for innovation and entrepreneurship focusing on areas of science, technology, and innovation in areas of national priority. Accelerates gender equity in STEM careers, SADC WISETO - Namibia Chapter governance, strategies and STI decision-making Governing Body positions. Promote SMEs in-house R&D and forge Small and Medium Enterprises collaboration with public research institutes to introduce scientific output into the economy. Design and offer courses on innovation and entrepreneurship at certificate, diploma and degree Technical and Vocational levels to engage in applied research. Establish Education and Training Centres platforms for innovation and entrepreneur- ship and technology transfer offices which should aim at commercializing R&D results. Creating incentives for private companies that promote STI and invest in R&D and technology development. Programme developed for The Development Bank of supporting technology-based SMEs that introduce Namibia new products, practices and services into the economy as well as those that export locally developed new products. 9.2 Legal and Regulatory Arrangements The National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy is primarily anchored on the Constitution of the Republic of Namibia. The implementation of this Policy is to the provide guidance on investments in, to align the strategies of the different stakeholders in, and to ensure optimal impact of STI, R&D and innovation in various sectoral plans. Additionally, the policy recognises existing national laws and legislations, and thus it was developed in alignment with pertinent laws and legislations as listed in the table below. LEGISLATION / CUSTODIAN RELEVANCE TO THIS POLICY FRAMEWORK Provides for an integrated and coordinated Disaster Risk disaster management approach that focuses Office of the Management Act on preventing or reducing the risk of disasters, Prime Minister (Act 10 of 2012) mitigating the severity and emergency preparedness as well as post disaster recovery. Basic Education Ministry of To ensure equitable inclusive quality education Act (Act 3 of Education, Arts and lifelong learning; to promote and protect 2020) and Culture the right of learners to education. 13 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION LEGISLATION / CUSTODIAN RELEVANCE TO THIS POLICY FRAMEWORK Environmental Ministry of Promotes sustainable management of the Management Act Environment and environment and utilization of natural resources. (Act 7 of 2007) Tourism Growth at Home (Namibia’s Execution Ministry of Trade Growth at Home provides a road map for the Strategy for and Industry execution of Namibia’s Industrial Policy. Industrialisation) 2012 Harambee Prosperity Plan Office of the The targeted action plan to accelerate (2016/2017 - President development in STI and R&D priority areas 2019/2020) Ministry of Higher Coordinates and supervises the higher Higher Education Education, education system and promote establishment Act (Act 22 of Technology and and development of higher education 2003) Innovation institutions of national interest. Namibia Students Ministry of Higher Financial Availing financial assistance to eligible Namibian Education, Assistance Fund students at approved institutions of higher Technology and Act (Act 26 of learning. Innovation 2000) To contribute to knowledge, economic and Namibia University Ministry of Higher social development through globally relevant, of Science and Education, professional, technological and career-focused Technology Act Technology and higher education, and effective community (Act 7 of 2015) Innovation engagement, with an emphasis on industry involvement. Defines the role, incentives, skills development Namibia’s and financing of the government and Ministry of Trade Industrialization stakeholders towards STI, R&D and and Industry Policy (2012) industrialisation, regional integration and policy coordination, implementation and evaluation. Directives towards achieving inclusive, National National sustainable and equitable growth for the Development Planning Namibian society and economy to change Plans Commission from an input-dependent economy into a knowledge-based economy. To enable access to modern, clean, National Energy Ministry of Mines environmentally sustainable, and affordable Policy, (2017) and Energy energy services for all Namibian inhabitants. HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 14 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) LEGISLATION / CUSTODIAN RELEVANCE TO THIS POLICY FRAMEWORK National Health Ministry of Health To provide equitable access to basic social Policy Framework and Social welfare and health care as a right of every 2010-2020 Services citizen. To develop human capital and build institutional National Human capacity to absorb the labour force necessary Office of the Resources Plan to meet the demands of the economy and Prime Minister (2010 – 2025) address the problem of human resources skills shortages across all industrial sectors. Ministry of Overarching ICT Information & To strengthening Namibia’s position in the Policy (2009) Communication dissemination and use of ICT. Technology To enable access to modern, clean, Renewable Ministry of Mines environmentally sustainable, and affordable Energy Policy for and Energy energy services for all Namibians to meet its short- Namibia, (2017) term and long-term national development goals. To establish the framework conducive for innovation and competitiveness through IP generation, National protection and commercialization. It defines the Intellectual Ministry of parameters of the use of IP as a strategic catalyst to Property Policy Industrialization, accelerate transformational growth at home. The and Trade and SME Policy sets Namibia’s vision for IP, identifies objectives Strategy 2019 Development and key strategies and establishes an institutional -2024 framework to serve as the coordinating body in IP related policy and strategic matters. Research Ministry of Higher To provide for the promotion, co-ordination Science and Education, and development of research, science and Technology Act Technology and technology in Namibia. (Act 23 of 2004) Innovation The aim is to promote development and harmonisation of science, technology, and Southern African SADC STI Protocol innovation policies, advocating investment in Development (2008) research and development and promoting Community public awareness of science and technology. To commit to building and/or upgrading research infrastructures; enhancing professional and technical competencies; promoting STISA 2024 African Union entrepreneurship and innovation; and providing an enabling environment for STI development in the African continent. 15 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION LEGISLATION / CUSTODIAN RELEVANCE TO THIS POLICY FRAMEWORK To address global challenges Namibia faces, Sustainable including those related to poverty, inequality, Development United Nations climate change, environmental degradation, Goals (SDGs) peace and justice. The Constitution of the Republic Republic of The fundamental law of a sovereign of Namibia, Namibia independent Namibia. Adopted on February 9, 1990 National Policy To create an enabling business environment on Micro, Small Ministry of for Namibian MSMEs, thus fostering sustainable and Medium Industrialization, employment creation and income generation Enterprises in Trade and SME through training; improved access to finance, Namibia 2016 Development technology and markets; enhanced capacity to -2021 innovate; and improved entrepreneurial skills. Implement commitments towards mitigation UN Framework of climate change mitigation and financial Convention on United Nations resources and transfer of technology to Climate Change, enhance economic and social development (1994) and poverty. Ministry of Higher University of To provide higher education, undertake Education, Namibia Act (Act research, advance and disseminate knowledge Technology and 18 of 1992) both nationally and internationally. Innovation The long-term planning framework of government and is based on the concept of Office of the total and balanced development. It will guide Vision 2030 President all planning mechanisms, which consist of the national development plans, medium- term reviews and the national budget. Vocational Ministry of Higher Education and Education, Regulates provision of vocational education Training Act (Act 1 Technology and and training. of 2008) Innovation HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 16 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) 9.3 Resource Mobilization The Government of Namibia recognises that adequate resources, both human and financial, are required in order to effectively implement the RNSTI Policy, as per its commit- ment in the Fifth National Development Pan (NDP 5) to contribute 1% of GDP to research and innovation by 2022. The following strategies have been identified to achieve efficient resource mobilization: • Make adequate budgetary provision based on the identified needs in achieving the objectives of the NRSTI Policy and the NDP5 in terms of research and innovation. • Mobilise adequate human and financial resources through partnerships with development partners (international, regional and national) and private actors. • Attract multilateral and/or bilateral, donor funding opportunities and establish collaborations with funding organisations. • Promote the establishment of Public and Private Partnerships (PPP) and engage the private sector to contribute to science and technology funding incentives. • Establish a tax incentives programme to leverage private sector investment in research and innovation. • Increase efficiencies in resource allocation and utilization by streamlining funding of research and innovation projects to avoid unnecessary redundancies and duplication. • Ensure that funds collected through levies from existing Statutes are consolidated and allocated to the National Research, Science, Technology and Innovation Fund. • Role players identified as key stakeholders towards the implementation of the RNRSTI Policy shall mobilise necessary resources for fulfilling their roles and responsibilities. 9.4 Monitoring and evaluating framework and reporting To realize the objectives of this Revised NSTIP, the following activities will be undertaken under the supervision of the MHETI in collaboration with the NCRST: • Development of monitoring and evaluation indicators at all levels of policy implementation • Carrying out continuous data collection, analysis and periodic reporting to the custodian and implementing ministry and the National Planning Commission of Namibia, as well as the public media; and • The Revised NSTIP will have a clear logical framework designed for each strategic objective showing the expected outputs, activities, Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) tasks, means of verification, the implementing agencies and/or networks, timeframe and resource requirements to help track and monitor progress in the implementation of the NSTIP. 9.5 Advocacy and dissemination (communication strategy) The Revised NSTIP will be popularized among all national, regional and international research and innovation stakeholders. The MHETI in collaboration with the NCRST will develop an appropriate plan for STI communication and outreach activities. A key aspect of communication and outreach is to regularly report progress and showcase achievements through examples that have relevance and potential impact. 17 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION 10. IMPLEMENTATION ACTION PLAN The Revised NSTIP is intended to serve as the national strategic framework for the country’s STI development up to the year 2030. The achievement of its objectives and targets will depend upon success of its implementation by all stakeholders. In order to facilitate the implementation of this policy, an implementation plan will be developed every five years through a stakeholder’s consultative process. The implementation plan is attached as

Appendix 1. 11. CONCLUSION The Revised NSTIP is an outcome a broad-based participatory process that involved stakeholders from many backgrounds. It is one of the instruments that Namibia will use to realize Vision 2030 and National Development Plans. It is not a stand-alone policy but forms part and parcel of the country core regimes. The Revised NSTIP will also enable the country to domestic continental and regional strategies, STISA and SADC Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Strategy. The Revised NSTIP is the basis on which Namibia will engage in international and bilateral cooperation on STI. 12. BIBLIOGRAPHY AU (2014) Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2024). AUC (2015) Agenda 2063 Final Edition, The Africa We Want. NEPAD (2014), African Innovation Outlook 2014. New Partnership for Africa’s Development and African Union. OECD (2006), Governance of Innovation Systems, Volume 3: Cases Studies in Cross-Sectorial Policy. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Paris. Republic of Namibia (2004), Namibia Vision 2030: Policy Framework for Long-term National Development. National Planning Commission, Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia, Harambee Prosperity Plan 2016/17-2019/20. Republic of Namibia (2012), Namibia’s Fourth National Development Plan, NDP4 2012/23- 2016/17. National Planning Commission, Office of the President, Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia (1999), National Policy on Research, Science and Technology. Ministry of Higher Education, Vocational Technology, Science and Technology, Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia (1999), Enabling Safe Use of Biotechnology. Ministry of Education, Vocational Training, Science and Technology. Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia (2012), Namibia’s Industrial Policy. Ministry of Trade and Industry, Windhoek, Namibia. HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 18 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) Republic of Namibia (2019), National Intellectual Property Policy and Strategy 2019-2024. Ministry Of Industrialization, Trade and SME Development, Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia (undated), Growth at Home: Namibia’s Execution Strategy for Industrialization. Ministry of Trade and Industry, Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia (2004), Research, Science and Technology Act, 2004. Government Gazette 23 December 2004, No. 3356. Republic of Namibia (2011), Research, Science and Technology Regulations: Research, Science and Technology Act, 2004. Ministry of Education, Government Gazette, 11 November 2011, No. 4828. Republic of Namibia (2014), The National Programme on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation 2014/15-2015/16, p. 69. NCRST, Windhoek, Namibia. Republic of Namibia (2016), Namibia’s National System of Innovation: A Review of Policy Regimes and the Institutional Landscape, NCRST, Windhoek, Namibia. SADC (2008) Protocol on Science, Technology and Innovation, https://www.sadc.int/ files/3013/5292/8367/Protocol_on_Science_Technology_and_Innovation2008.pdf. UN (2013) United Nations Partnership Framework (UNPAF) 2014-2018-A Partnership for Growth, Job Creation and Equity. United Nations Development Programme, Windhoek, Namibia. 19 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 13. APPENDIX 1: POLICY IMPLEMENTATION Policy Objective 1: To improve policy, legislative and regulatory environment TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Align STI 1. Develop IKS policy & Approved national IKS policy % of IKS policy developed 50%*** 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 50 250 100 0 0 MHETI, NCRST legislative and implementation plan (milestone completed/ regulatory progress made) environment and 2. Develop space science Approved national space % of space science 50%*** 50% 100% 100% 100% 100% 50 250 100 0 100 MHETI; NCRST frameworks and technology policy & science and technology and technology policy to national, implementation plan policy developed (milestone regional and completed/progress made) international 3. Develop public sector Approved public sector % of public sector 0%*** 80% 100% 100% 100% 100% 1 000 0 0 0 0 OPM; UNAM development innovation policy innovation policy innovation policy policies developed*** 4. Develop bio-economy Bio-economy strategy % of bio-economy strategy 10%*** 90% 100% 100% 100% 100% 10 500 0 0 0 MHETI; NCRST; MEFT strategy developed developed 5. Develop national science, Approve national science, % of national infrastructure 50% 80% 100% 100% 100% 100% 50 250 0 0 0 MHETI; NCRST technology, and innovation technology, and innovation strategy developed*** infrastructure strategy infrastructure strategy 6. Develop national research Approved national ethics % of Ethics policy 0%*** 10% 80% 100% 100% 100% 0 400 0 0 0 MHETI; HEI, NCRST ethics policy policy developed*** 7. Develop IP policy Approved national IP policy % of IP policy developed*** 20%*** 50% 80% 100% 100% 100% 50 200 0 0 0 MHETI; BIPA 8. Identify local R&D needs Identify and articulate R&D R&D priorities in each five- 0 1 1 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 MHETI; NCRST, priorities in the NPRSTI year NPRSTI (3 in total) OMA with research components 9. Invest 50% of the national Plan developed to invest 50% Plan developed 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 100 0 MHETI; NCRST, annual R&D budget on of the national annual R&D OMA with research sustainable development budget dedicated to regional components priorities and community sustainable development priorities 10. Develop national List of the R&D institutes in the List of the R&D institutes in 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 MHETI; NCRST, innovation challenge sectoral ministries and the the sectoral ministries and HEI and OMA public universities should be the public universities with research required to participate in the. components national innovation challenge Developed national National innovation 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 150 TBA MHETI; NCRST innovation challenge with challenge implementation implementation action plan action plan *** Assessment of progress made: Benchmarking and Drafting of Zero-draft Proposal (30%), Consultation (50%) and Validation (70%), Cabinet Submission (80%), Approval and Publication (100%) 20 I Policy Objective 1: To improve policy, legislative and regulatory environment TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Build national 1. Develop strategic Strategic documents % of strategic documents 0% 30% 50% 70% 80% 100% 0 250 250 0 100 MHETI; capacity to enhance documents for the developed developed NCRST the use of scientific establishment of the data for evidence- Academy of Sciences based policy development 2. Increase national National fellowship for National fellowship 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 100 TBA MHETI and HEI fellowship for training in training in science, developed science, technology, and technology and innovation innovation policy analysis policy analysis developed 3. Conduct biennial Biennial national R&D Biennial national R&D 1 R&D report 0 2 2 3 3 0 1 000 0 1 000 3 000 MHETI; NSA, national R&D and and Innovation surveys surveys reports completed NCRST, Innovation surveys conducted Biennial national innovation 0 Innovation 1 2 2 3 3 70 1 000 0 1 000 3 000 surveys report completed report *** TORs and Minutes of Meetings 20%, Concept note approved 30%, Statutes approved 100% Policy Objective 1: To improve policy, legislative and regulatory environment TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Review of regulatory Report on review of regulatory agencies agencies and related and related legislation for standards Report MHETI, NCRST legislation for standards setting and enforcement, technology 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 10 0 completed and HEI setting and enforcement, assessment, and importation of technology assessment equipment to identify completed 3. Strengthen Strategy for Namibia Standards Technology MHETI, HEI, Institution’s capacity to become a key Strategy Support Institutions 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 500 0 0 0 , MIT, MPE, 2. Strengthen Namibia’s node for technology prospecting and implemented MF, NSI technology prospecting and procurement implemented procurement capacity Implementation plan for technology Implementation MHETI, HEI, prospecting and procurement 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 50 200 0 0 plan completed MIT, MPE, MF completed 21 Objective 2: To promote strategic partnerships and collaborations TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Representation of private sector % of private sector on STI governance committees 11.4%*** 15% 20% 25% 40% 50% TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA MHETI; NCRST representation and councils increased % increase of research 1. Increase representation Doubled research institutes- institutes-industry TBA - - 50% 100% 150% TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA MHETI; NCHE of private sector on STI industry collaborations collaborations governance committees and councils Annual roundtables on public 1. Engage with private STI partnerships to enable private sector HEI, R&D institutes, and industry Workshops conducted 0 1 1 1 5 3 100 100 100 500 300 MHETI, HEI and build to develop common agendas public-private and joint R&D and innovation partnerships programmes 2. Create incentives for private Incentives for private companies companies that promote that promote STI and invest in R&D OPM, MHETI, Incentives created 0 0 0 3 3 4 0 0 0 0 0 STI and invest in R&D and and technology development MIT, MPE, MF technology development created 3. Provide government land to OPM, MHETI, companies that establish R&D Public/private R&D facility Public/ private R&D HEI, MIT, MPE, 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 500 500 and technology development established facility established MF, Regional facilities in the country Councils 4. Establish % of tax relief scheme OPM, MHETI, scheme for allocation towards Establishment of tax relief scheme 0 0% 0% 100% 100% 0 0 0 0 TBA TBA completed MIT, MPE, MF R&D and innovation activities Innovation vouchers for 5. Provide innovation vouchers companies to procure to companies, particularly 100 Innovation vouchers provided R&D services from HEI 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 TBA MIT, MPE, MF SMEs, to procure R&D services 000 and R&D institutions from HEI and R&D institutions. provided *** National Survey of Research and Experimental Development Main Analysis and Statistical Report 2013/14 22 I Objective 2: To promote strategic partnerships and collaborations TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Strengthen 1. Invest in domestic R&D and Government invested in and % increase of N$ 216.6 0% 2% 2% 6% - 216 220 225 250 TBA OMA with RSTI national, innovation programmes supported collaborations that Government mil*** 000 000 000 000 components regional, and directly add value to R&D and contribution to GERD international innovation activities of Namibian partnerships institutions, particularly public HEI, R&D institutes and companies. Long-term, mutually beneficial, % increase on To be 0 0 50% 100% 150% 0 0 500 1000 15000 MHETI; HEI, and sustainable partnerships long-term, mutually determined NCHE increased beneficial, and by STI-IMS sustainable partnerships Portal 2. Increase in international STI Number of bilateral STI cooperation % increase of TBA 0 0 50% 100% 150% 0 0 500 1 000 15 MHETI; HEI, partnerships agreements signed with institutions research output 000 NCHE in partner countries from cooperation agreements % increase in number To be 0% 10% 30% 100% 100% 0 100 300 1 000 TBA MHETI; NCHE, of Namibians trained determined NCRST and HEI in postgraduate by STI-IMS studies in STEM subjects Portal through cooperation agreements External funding for domestic Double external N$ 16 mil N$ 16 N$ 20 N$ 22 N$ 32 TBA 0 500 500 1 000 TBA MHETI; NCHE, research and innovation secured funding for domestic *** mil mil mil mil NCRST and HEI through international partnerships research and increased innovation secured through international partnerships 3. Increase the focus on STI priority initiatives integrated in Number of countries 0 0 1 4 4 0 0 TBA TBA TBA TBA MHETI, MFA, science and innovation in the foreign policy to country STI bilateral OPM, MIRC country’s foreign policy agreements increased by 50% *** National Survey of Research and Experimental Development Main Analysis and Statistical Report 2013/14 23 Objective 3: To improve scientific and technical competences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2021/ 2022 2022/ 2023 2023/ 2024 2024/ 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Strengthen 1. Invest in postgraduate Research and Research and 0 0 1 2 4 9 0 1500 3000 6000 TBA MHETI, HEI human resources and postdoctoral innovation innovation in STEM and programmes professional chairs professional increase full-time created at universities chairs created equivalent (FTE) researchers 2. Establish postdoctoral Number of full time Doubled number 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.7 1.0 TBA 0 TBA TBA TBA TBA MHETI, HEI fellowships in key equivalent /1000 of full time research fields population increased equivalent 3. Fund of postgraduate Number of Doubled number 886 Masters 900 Masters 1000 1200 1800 TBA 0 TBA TBA TBA - MHETI, HEI, training programmes postgraduate degrees of postgraduate and and Masters and Masters and Masters and NSFAF & in STEM degrees 104 PhDs 110 PhDs 130 PhDs 160 PhDs 210 PhDs NCRST 4. Establish an annual Annual joint call Annual call 0 0 1 2 7 10 0 50 50 250 150 MHETI, HEI, joint call for applied launched launched NTA research Objective 3: To improve scientific and technical competences in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Build capacity 1. Train Namibian Training courses on intellectual property Number of courses increased TBA by 5% 20% 50% 50% TBA 10 500 1 000 0 0 MHETI, HEI, in the creation, researchers, management at tertiary institutions by 50% STI-IMS NQA, BIPA management and technicians, legal increased Portal use of intellectual practitioners, and property works entrepreneurs in the Researchers, technicians, legal Number of researchers, TBA by 5% 10% 20% 50% TBA 100 100 200 500 TBA MHETI, HEI, management and practitioners and entrepreneurs holding technicians, legal practitioners STI-IMS BIPA, use of intellectual IP qualifications from recognised tertiary and entrepreneurs increased Portal property rights institutions increased by 50% Sponsorship or grants for qualifying Number of grants increased 0 5 15 30 50 TBA 0 0 0 0 0 BIPA, MHETI, training courses on intellectual property HEI, NSFAF management at recognised tertiary institutions increased **** https://www.wipo.int/ipstats/en/statistics/country_profile/profile.jsp?code=NA 24 I Objective 4: To improve gender equality and mainstreaming in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Establish and 1. Establish SADC SADC WISETO Namibia Chapter established 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 3,000 3,000 3,000 3,000 MHETI, NCRST improve programmes WISETO Namibia Chapter established that support women’s Chapter participation in STEM 2. Develop a strategic Strategic plan developed % of Strategic plan 0 30% 50% 70% 80% 100% 0 250 500 500 1000 MHETI, MEAC, MGEPESW, plan for the SADC and implemented implemented NCRST & SADC WISETO WISETO Chapter - NAMIBIA CHAPTER % annual increase in 0 10% 20% 30% 80% 110% Governing Body Gender equity in STEM Objective 4: To improve gender equality and mainstreaming in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ RESPONSIBLE STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Support the 1. Develop programmes for the Programmes develop Number of 0 0 2 3 4 5 0 250 500 500 1000 MHETI, MGEPESW, NCRST & role of women in participation and leadership and implemented programmes SADC WISETO - NAMIBIA innovation systems of women in national and developed and CHAPTER Governing Body international innovation systems implemented 2. Establish innovation Partnerships % of partnerships 0 30% 50% 70% 80% 100% 0 250 500 500 1000 MGEPESW, NCRST & partnerships for industry wide established established SADC WISETO - NAMIBIA change CHAPTER Governing Body 3. Establish platforms for Platforms established % of platforms 0 30% 50% 70% 80% 100% 0 250 500 500 1000 MGEPESW, NCRST & showcasing scientific established SADC WISETO - NAMIBIA innovations by women CHAPTER Governing Body 25 Objective 5: To increase the utilization of scientific and technical knowledge for societal advancement TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Build strategic 1. Support institutions to conduct Annual calls on multi-disciplinary Number of research and 250 300 350 400 600 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA MHETI, NCRST technology multi-disciplinary scientific research launched policy papers produced HEI and prospecting, research NGOs fore-sighting, and procurement 2. Conduct a national National technology fore- % of national technology 0% 0% 0% 90% 100% 100% 0 0 0 2 000 1 MHETI, NCRST technology fore-sighting sighting exercise conducted fore-sighting exercise exercise on key priority areas completed**** 3. Establish technology parks STI parks and information centres STI parks and information 0 0 0 1 5 14 0 0 0 4 000 9 000 MHETI, NCRST, and information centres established centres Regional focusing on national priorities Councils in STI *** Based on Thomson Reuter Web of Science **** 20%national technology fore-sighting task force established, 40%TOR, investigation 90% & report 100% Objective 6: To promote a culture of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022/ 2023 2023/ 2024 2024/ 2025 2022 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Promote public 1. Develop and STI engagement % of strategy developed 0% 0% 50% 100% 100% 100% 0 50 100 0 0 MHETI, NCRST & understanding implement STI strategy developed of plan of plan MEAC, Regional of science, engagement developed developed Councils technology, and strategy innovation STI engagement % of strategy implemented 0% 0% 0% 0% 100% 100% 500 500 500 500 500 MHETI, NCRST & strategy implemented implemented 2. Establish STI STI demonstration Number of STI demonstration 0 0 0 0 1 5 14 0 0 0 4 000 MHETI, NCRST, demonstration centres established centres established MEAC centres 3. Promote public Public dialogues % participation rate/1000 0 0 20 40 60 75 200 200 200 200 200 MHETI, NCRST & dialogues on STI hosted population NIPAM between scientists and citizens 26 I Objective 6: To promote a culture of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Promote 1. Establish a A plan on enterprise technology Plan designed 0 0% 0% 100% 100% 100% 0 0 100 TBA TBA MHETI, HEI, MIT, MPE, technology techno- preneurship audit designed MF, OPM audits by promotion enterprises programme A training program on enterprise % of national training 0 0% 0% 100% 100% 100% 0 0 1 000 TBA TBA MHETI, HEI, MIT, MPE, technology audit developed program completed MF, OPM Incentive scheme for private % of incentive scheme 0 0% 0% 100% 100% 100% 0 0 500 TBA TBA MHETI, HEI, MIT, MPE, enterprises and SMEs to completed MF, OPM, undertake audits and develop technology plan Objective 6: To promote a culture of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 3. Establish 1. Establish platforms Innovation centres/hubs established Innovation centres/hubs 0 0 0 1 5 14 0 0 0 4 000 9 000 MHETI, NCRST. national for innovation and established Regional Councils innovation entrepreneur- ship promotion Annual national innovation summit Annual national 1 1 2 3 8 11 2 000 2 000 2 000 10 6 000 MHETI, NCRST, Private schemes hosted innovation summit 000 Sectors, SME hosted 2. Design and offer Courses on innovation and Courses on innovation 0 0 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 MHETI, HEI, NQA and courses on innovation entrepreneurship at certificate and and entrepreneurship NTA and entrepreneurship at diploma level offered offered certificate, diploma, and degree levels Courses on innovation and Courses on innovation 0 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 MHETI, NQA and HEI entrepreneurship at certificate, and entrepreneur- diploma and degree levels offered ship offered 3. Establish technology Technology transfer offices Technology transfer 0 0 1 6 7 11 0 0 5 000 5 00 5 00 MHETI, NCRST, BIPA, transfer offices established offices at TVETCs and NTA, HEIs HEIs established 27 Objective 6: To promote a culture of science, technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 4. 1. Conduct an assessment of Assessment of innovation Report completed 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 MIT, MPE, BIPA Strengthen innovation capabilities and capabilities and activities small and activities of SMEs of SMEs conducted medium scale Plan for promoting Innovation promotion plan 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 50 0 0 NCRST, BIPA enterprises innovation by SMEs developed MIT, MPE developed 2. Provide innovation vouchers to Innovation vouchers Innovation vouchers for 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 100 TBA MHETI, NCRST, MIT, companies, particularly SMEs, to provided companies to procure R&D 000 MPE, MF procure R&D services from HEI and services from HEI and R&D R&D institutions. institutions provided 3. Promote SMEs in-house R&D and Incentive scheme % of incentive scheme 0 0 0 0 100% 100% 0 0 0 TBA TBA MHETI, NCRST, MFA, forge collaboration with public completed completed MIT, MPE research institutes to introduce scientific output into the economy Objective 7: To accelerate research in the areas of technological advancement in TVET TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Support 1. Increase Joint technical committee with NTA, HEI Technical Committee 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 0**** 0**** 0**** MHETI, NCHE, technical bilateral and and national R&D institutes established established**** public HEI and and multilateral NTA vocational cooperation research in TVET High level skills and innovation required Report completed 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 100 0 0 MHETI, NCHE, skills identified public HEI and NTA TVET institutions and HEI with the state- Inventory list completed 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 4 000 2 000 MHETI, NCHE, of- the art equipment and facilities public HEI and equipped NTA Bilateral and multilateral capacity- % of annual increase on number To be determined 10% 10% 10% TBA TBA 0 0 0 TBA TBA MHETI, NCHE, building cooperation in TVET increased STI cooperation agreements by STI-IMS Portal public HEI, NTA Tax relief regulation for state-owned % of tax relief regulation 0 0% 0% 100% 100% 0 0 0 0 TBA TBA MIT, MPE, MF and private enterprises to venture into completed cooperation agreements completed **** Same committee as in Objective 3.1.5 28 I Objective 7: To accelerate research in the areas of technological advancement in TVET TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Promote research to bridge 1. Develop bridging Bridging programmes and Bridging programmes 0 0 2 2 2 TBA 0 50 200 0 TBA MHETI, NCHE, the gap between TVET and programmes and new TVET new TVET qualifications on developed NQA, public higher education qualifications on NQF level NQF level 4 and 5 developed HEI and NTA 4 and 5 New TVET qualification 0 0 0 2 4 TBA 0 1 000 1 000 5 000 TBA on NQF level 4 developed New TVET qualification 0 0 0 1 3 TBA 0 0 1 000 4 000 TBA on NQF level 5 developed 29 Objective 8: To improve research and innovation infrastructure provision TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE RESPONSIBLE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Develop and improve 1. Develop and implement National STI infrastructure % of national STI 70% 90% 100% - 250 MHETI; NCRST effectiveness of research a national STI infrastructure strategy developed infrastructure strategy and innovation infrastructure strategy developed National STI infrastructure % of national STI 0% 5% 20% 50% MHETI; NCRST strategy implemented infrastructure strategy developed 2. Develop a national STI – A national STI- Information % STI-IMS completed 1 10% 10% 20% 80% 100% 100% 0 0 10 100 TBA MHETI; NCRST Information Management Management System (STI-IMS) System developed and populated A national inventory of % of National inventory 0% 0% 30% 60% 100% 100% 0 0 10 100 TBA MHETI; NCRST equipment developed and of equipment updated completed 2 Researchers, innovators and % of researchers, 0% 0% 10% 20% 50% 75% 0 0 0 0 0 HEI, NTA and engineers have access to innovators and industrial STI-IMS Portal engineers in database firms have access to STI – IMS Portal ***Assessment of progress made: Benchmarking and Drafting of Zero-draft Proposal (30%), Consultation (50%) and Validation (70%), Cabinet Submission (80%), Approval and Publication (100%) 1 STI-IMS development completed 10%; General information populated 20%; STI-IMS launched 30%; Researcher component online 40%; Research component on-line 50%; Grand management component on-line 60%; Research Registration component on-line 70%; R&D survey component on-line 80%; Innovation survey component on-line 90% and R&D and Innovation reports 100% 2 STI-IMS national inventory of equipment development completed 30%; General information populated 60%; STI-IMS launched 80%; Researcher component online 100%; 3 STI-IMS platform development completed 30%; General information populated 60%; STI-IMS launched 80%; Researcher component online 100 30 I Objective 8: To improve research and innovation infrastructure provision TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2. Develop and improve national 1. Establish a network of Centres of excellence Number of centres of 0 0 0 1 3 3 0 0 5 000 15 0 MHETI, NCRST, HEI, platforms of research and excellence in science established excellence completed 000 Regional Councils innovation excellence for innovation Objective 9: To increase scientific productivity and technological output TIMELINES AND TARGETS PER YEAR BUDGET (NAD ‘000) CUSTODIAN/ STRATEGY ACTIVITY OUTPUT KEY INDICATORS BASELINE 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ 2021/ 2022/ 2023/ 2024/ 2025/ RESPONSIBLE ENTITY 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 1. Increase research and 1. Support to institutions that Incentive scheme % of incentive 0 0 0 0 100% 100% 0 0 0 TBA TBA MHETI, NCRST, MFA, innovation for manufacturing harness the use of technology developed scheme completed MIT, MPE and industrial competitiveness in manufacturing 2. Create twinning Twinning programmes Number of twinning 0 0 1 4 7 >10 0 0 5 000 0 0 MHETI, NCRST, HEI, programmes to match SMEs developed and programmes with large companies with implemented developed and manufacturing capabilities implemented 31 14. APPENDIX 2: POLICY STRUCTURE @ ( Strategies ~ ~ ...,.!ln1111,,. n n ,,,,,.] 1)Promote public understanding of 1)Align STI legislative & regulatory environment & frameworks to national, regional and international development policies I2)Build national capacity to enhance the use of science scientific data for evidence-based policy development 3)Improve standards of Technology Support Institutions I. \ science, technology & innovation 1 2)Promotetechnologyaudits by enterprises •~•1, 1!]110 if!llH ~.," !;Ji~ 1Jjl111"W:n ii"!! m l'I] H"' • @ J\ @) ·•-~ ~~ •• U!_J rt . 3)Establish national innovation promotion schemes 4)Strengthen small & medium Vision 1)Engage with private sector & bu ild 2)Strengthen national, regional scale enterprises Pu6Iic-Private Sector Partnerships & international partnerships @, @) NAMIBIA 1)Support technical & vocational [ research skills STI POLICY 1)Stren(llhen human resources l 2)Build capacity in the creation, in STEM & increase full-time management& use of 2021-30 @ equivalent (FTE) researchers intellectual property works Mission 1)Develop & improve 2)Develop & improve national 1 effectiveness of research & platforms of research & innovation infrastructure innovation excellence )EslabUsh & ;mpro~ programmes] [2)Support the role of women inl that support women's innovation systems participation in Science, - @j Technology, Engineering and \... Mathematics (STEM ) Guiding Principles Governance @- - - 1)Increase research & innovation Policy Harmony for manufacturing & industrial Gender Equality L competitiveness Build strategic technology Partnership prospecting, fore-sighting & procurement Human, Institutional & Infrastructural Capacity Sustainable Development 32 REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) NOTES 33 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION NOTES HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 34 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT REVISED NATIONAL SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY (NSTIP) (2020-2030) NOTES 35 WINDHOEK, NAMIBIA, CABINET NUMBER: 10TH/22.06.21/008 MINISTRY OF HIGHER EDUCATION, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION NOTES HARNESSING KNOWLEDGE AND INNOVATION FOR 36 SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT