The South African cabinet has approved a new road map with the purpose of promoting and strengthening the development of research, development and innovation (RDI) on information communication level.
Established last week, the map outlines strategic action plans and implementation frameworks for South African investment guidance in ICT RDI until 2023.
The map provides a platform from which the internet and broadband connectivity in South Africa can be improved to restore a reputation of continental leadership in these areas with added support to socio-economic benefit.
Goals embraced by the project include the increase of ICT access, interactivity through e-participation between government and citizens as well as enabling e-science in the country.
Furthermore, it is aimed at the modernisation of the South African government and economy.
The road map is deemed “a key catalyst for the emergence of a knowledge economy,” the official government report on the project states.
Three types of workshops will be launched as part of the development plan, namely Trends, Landscape and Market Opportunities for ICT RDI.
The plan was advised by the Department of Science and Technology and the Meraka Institute as part of Scientific and Industrial Research as a revision of the 2007 ICT strategy.
Cost effective launch of broadband connections for more than 200 rural schools in Mpumalanga and Limpopo was noted by the cabinet, Polity reported.
Sources which were drawn upon for the establishment of the map include consultation outcomes of stakeholders, experts, nationwide workshops and desktop research.
