As a result of South Africa’s digital drive, it has ascended the global tech ladder and joined the rest of the world in operating an innovative economy. The nation is ranked as the second most innovative nation in Africa by the newly issued Global Innovation Index.
The 2022 Global Innovation Index (GII) focused on a variety of factors, including human capital, institutions, technology, creative output, market sophistication, and business sophistication, among others, to gauge each economy’s capability and output for innovation.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was recently signed between the Department of Higher Education and Training of South Africa and the Biotechnological University of Russia (BioTech University) to create the Centre of Open Education.
Empire Partner Foundation, a non-profit tech organization, is hosting the Centre of Open Education in Illovo, Sandton, in collaboration with BioTech University, to provide learning opportunities to locals.
The centre, which offers free training, was officially opened by Alexander Soldatov, rector of the Russian BioTech University, and Dr. Nkosinathi Sishi, director general of the Department of Higher Education and Training.
The MoU marks South Africa’s continued initiatives to drive innovation across institutions and build on existing human capital.
Upon having the best tertiary institutions in Africa, several tertiary institutions have received funding to boost digital drives. In October last year, the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) awarded Wits University $3 million (R54 million) to launch the South African Quantum Technologies Initiative (SA QuTI).
The University of Pretoria (UP), launched a Digital Capability Laboratory in November 2022 to give students “future-fit” digital skills. According to the university, the employability-focused lab, which is located on UP’s Hatfield campus, will give students the knowledge and abilities they need to succeed and adapt to the workplace’s ongoing changes.
A variety of subjects, including informatics and computer science, applied informatics, technical machines and equipment, mechatronics and robotics, chemical technologies, and biotechnology, will be taught in person to South African students as part of the most recent project.
After successfully completing the course, students will also receive instructional materials and certifications in addition to the training.
