North-West Science Park.

Myth or reality?

Cofisa, 17 & 18 February 2010

Rudi van der Walt
 The situation in North West Province
North West Province:
¾ covers 9,7% of the surface area of SA;
¾ is home to 8,2% of the population of SA; and
¾ contributes about
7% of the economy
of SA, based on its rich
mineral resources.
 NWSP – Points of departure in 2004

¾ The need to relieve poverty in the North West Province

¾ North-West University’s need to transfer its technologies
to communities
¾ The desire of the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District
Municipality (formerly the Southern District Municipality)
to develop the economy of the district
 NWSP – Objectives (1)
NWSP’s first economy objectives are to:
¾ transfer new technologies to industry;
¾ create opportunities for skilled resources and businesses to
locate or relocate to the province;
¾ create and grow new, innovation-based companies;
¾ incubate start-up companies;
¾ stimulate a culture of quality and innovation among its
associated businesses and knowledge-based institutions;
¾ develop and maintain national and international business
networks; and
¾ be a professional and self-sustainable science park.
 NWSP – Objectives (2)
NWSP’s second economy objectives are to:
¾help retain NWU graduates in the province to assist with
economic development;
¾build the bridge between high technology and poverty
alleviation;
¾conceptualize and implement new economic development
programmes for NWP;
¾train and develop technical and management skills in line
with the provincial’s requirements;
¾incubate start-up social entrepreneurs and SMMEs; and
¾ build and maintain business networks in SADC and
NEPAD.
Proposed design of the NWSP
Proposed design of the NWSP
Proposed design of the NWSP
Proposed design of the NWSP
MID-WEST RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
ALLIANCE

Distribution of 
universities in SA
Universities in proximity 
of the dry areas of SA