The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ms Alexandra Abrahams, has called for stronger collaboration between government, academia, business and innovators to ensure that South Africa’s intellectual property (IP) translates into tangible economic and social value.
In a pre-recorded address delivered during the 6th Annual Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialisation Colloquium taking place at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, Abrahams emphasised the importance of strengthening South Africa’s innovation ecosystem to support industrial growth, entrepreneurship and job creation.
The colloquium is hosted by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic) in partnership with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) and Sol Plaatje University as part of efforts to advance the National Technology Commercialisation Strategy.
Abrahams described the gathering as a key platform for advancing South Africa’s knowledge-based economy.
“This is a crucial strategic platform to advance the National Technology Commercialisation Strategy that has been jointly developed and co-implemented by the dtic together with the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation,” she said.
She noted that hosting the colloquium in the Northern Cape also highlights South Africa’s growing role in global scientific innovation, referencing the Square Kilometre Array.
“This globally significant scientific endeavour demonstrates how we can harness the creative and dynamic potential of our richly diverse nation for sustainable economic development and international competitive value,” she said.
She emphasised the need to convert innovation into practical economic outcomes.
“We must strive to translate ideas into impact. Expanding the innovation economy and strengthening the role of intellectual property provides a pathway through which new opportunities can be created, particularly for young entrepreneurs and technology-driven enterprises,” said Abrahams.
She also highlighted the growing importance of emerging technologies.
“Innovation is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must. As the conversation around artificial intelligence grows louder, we cannot afford to be left behind as digital transformation accelerates globally,” she emphasised.
Abrahams further called on stakeholders to explore how intellectual property and entrepreneurship can help address development challenges in underserved communities, including townships, informal settlements and rural areas.
She also underscored the importance of protecting indigenous knowledge and biodiversity-based innovation, noting the international recognition of Rooibos as an example of how local resources can be protected and commercialised globally.
Concluding her address, Abrahams reaffirmed the importance of partnerships across sectors to strengthen South Africa’s innovation ecosystem.
“Innovation does not happen in isolation. It thrives when government, academia, industry and entrepreneurs work together to create an enabling environment where creativity is rewarded, risk is supported and good ideas can grow into global success,” she said.
The Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Alexandra Abrahams, delivers a pre-recorded keynote address broadcast during the 6th Annual Intellectual Property and Technology Commercialisation Colloquium hosted at Sol Plaatje University in Kimberley, Northern Cape.
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Issued by: The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic)
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