|
South Africa has a strong background in agricultural based industries and has developed many new crop varieties, some of which are used commercially throughput the world. However, South Africa has failed to exploit the more recent advances in biotechnology, particularly over the last 25 years with the emergence of genomic sciences (the so-called 3rd generation). Already many private companies and public institutions elsewhere in the world are offering products and services that have arisen from the new biotechnology. In the USA alone, there are 300 public biotechnology companies with an investment of $353 billion and an annual turnover of $22 billion. Moreover, the growth of biotechnology industries is not restricted to the most developed countries. Brazil, China and Cuba have quickly identified the potential benefits of the technology and have taken measures both to develop such industries and to extract value where possible.
The proposed new strategy is designed to stimulate the growth of similar activities in South Africa. Biotechnology can make an important contribution to national priorities, particularly in human health, food security and environmental sustainability. To achieve success, a country requires a government agency to support biotechnology, to build human resources, and to develop scientific and technological capacity. In addition, successful commercialisation of public sector-supported research and development requires strong linkages between institutions and a vibrant culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, assisted by incubators, supply-side measures and other supporting programs and institutions.
Some of these components of a successful biotechnology sector are already in place in South Africa. However, a number of gaps are identified in this document and certain interventions are suggested to address these problems. The recommendations are divided into two categories, namely new institutional arrangements and specific actions for Government departments. For the former, the Panel has recommended the establishment of a Biotechnology Advisory Committee (BAC), under the auspices of the Cabinet's Economics Cluster, the responsibilities of which will include the implementation of this strategy, coordination of biotechnology research and development and alignment with national priorities.
A key component of the strategy is the creation of several Regional Innovation Centers to act as nuclei for the development of biotechnology platforms, from which a range of businesses offering new products and services can be developed. The Regional Innovation Centers will work in close collaboration with academia and business to become active nodes for the growth of the biotechnology sector. Using both existing funds and new allocations specifically designated for biotechnology, and employing well-trained scientists, engineers and technologists in a multi-disciplinary environment, the centers will stimulate the creation of new intellectual property. The successful protection and exploitation of this will be made possible by a new venture capital fund and an array of new and existing support structures. It is emphasized that the main focus of the Regional Innovation Centers will be the creation of economic growth and employment through innovation.
A number of recommendations are made to Government, both financial and policy support, for the formation of the Biotechnology Advisory Committee, which will be responsible for the implementation of this strategy. The proposed actions will require an annual budget of $22 million, of which $16 million is required for the funding of the Regional Innovation Centers and the associated research and development programs, $2.4 million for the venture capital fund, $3 million for additional funding to strengthen the link between academia and industry and $0.24 million to run the Biotechnology Advisory Committee, plus a once-off establishment cost of $5.5 million for the Regional Innovation Centers. This document also urges the Government to complete regulatory reforms including the extension of the activities of the Bio-ethics Committee and the revision of the Patents Act for the strategy to be successful.
Finally, careful attention must be given to the development of the appropriate human resources and to the public understanding of biotechnology. It is Government's responsibility to ensure that new biotechnology products or services do not threaten the environment or human life, or undermine ethics and human rights. Several actions to meet these responsibilities are also proposed in this document. W.J. Van Der Walt, The South African National Seed Organisation, P.O. Box 72981, Lynnwood Ridge, 0040 Pretoria, South Africa; Fax: ++2712-3491462; E-mail: project@sansor.co.za
|
|
