Building Bridges: Linking universities with the manufacturing industry

Main Article Content

Robert Knutsen
Charlene Steyn
Martin Nicol

Abstract

This article explores ideas for linking university research entities with small- and medium-sized manufacturing industries. In an environment such as the Western Cape, South Africa, where well established teaching and research activities in science and engineering exist at several universities and research institutions, it is astonishing to realize that the local manufacturing industry struggles to obtain assistance with research and development in order to remain competitive locally and globally. Some of the reasons for this situation are outlined and solutions are proposed. In particular, the role of a gateway organization which aims to build networks between universities, research institutions and industry is described.

Article Details

Section
Research articles (Refereed)
Author Biographies

Robert Knutsen, University of Cape Town

Professor and director of the Centre for Materials Engineering at the University of Cape Town.

Charlene Steyn, Cape Initiative in Materials and Manufacturing

Graduate chemist who is appointed as chief executive officer of the Cape Initiative in Materials and Manufacturing.

Martin Nicol

Freelance journalist with keen interests in the manufacturing sector.