South Africa announces projects to get innovation funds
South Africa's department of Arts, culture, science and technology has now finalised the assessment for its Round three innovation fund project proposals and is about to conclude 2 to 3 year contracts for the projects that are successful in obtaining support from the Innovation Fund, reports the South African Mission in Brussels. Most of the projects will be coordinated by private sector organisations, in contrast with the pattern of previous rounds. The fund is designed to stimulate scientific innovation by steering researchers into a more competitive results-driven area. 'The fund encourages multi-disciplinary collaboration through consortia-type partnering on projects capable of addressing problems/challenges serious enough to impede socio-economic development', explains a spokesperson from the South African Mission. 'The Innovation Fund Trust is optimistic that this third group of selected projects will also have a high impact on socio-economic development.' An invitation to submit proposals for Round four will be announced during October 2000, with a closing date for the submission of proposals set at 15 December 2000. Further information about the content, submission and evaluation of proposals is available from the Department of Arts, culture, science and technology.