The CSIR has announced the appointment of an industry advisory panel in the digital transformation space. This signifies the organisation’s efforts to align with industry-specific priorities in the quest to achieve digitalisation for greater societal and industrial impact.

Utilising its robust science, engineering and technology capabilities, the organisation seeks to establish a balance between scientific and industrial development. A greater understanding of industry needs is vital to achieving these strategic objectives.

Dr Lulama Wakaba, Executive Cluster Manager of CSIR NextGen Enterprises and Institutions says, “The purpose of the industry advisory panel is to provide advice on strategic issues to the cluster’s leadership and researchers in the digitalisation domain, guided by the CSIR’s mandate of contributing to improving the quality of life of the people of South Africa through directed multidisciplinary research and technological innovation. All clusters of the CSIR have important contributions to make to this mandate.”

Dr Wakaba notes that the panel members bring a wealth of experience, which will be invaluable in gaining insight into market operations.

The industry advisory panel comprises nine members, namely, Mamello Selamolela (Chairperson), Bronwyn Williams, Nomso Kana, Dawood Patel, Paul Mashegoane, Envir Fraser, Dr Lulama Wakaba, Dr Ntsibane Ntlatlapa and Anne Gabathuse.

Dr Sandile Malinga, Group Executive for CSIR Smart Society, says that he is looking forward to innovative insights and approaches based on the panel’s extensive experience and exposure.

The newly established industry advisory panel not only strengthens the CSIR’s commitment to achieving strategic objectives, but also underscores its dedication towards fostering industrial development and digital transformation within government, public institutions and the industry at large.

The panel’s view is that the cluster’s impact ought to reflect the important pillars of society, such; thus, understanding the core of national societal needs and ensuring that the response of the CSIR harnesses digitalisation for the benefit of South Africa.

-ENDS-

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communication

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About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

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