pre-feasibility assessment report - Innovationeasterncape.co.za

African Development Economic ConsultantsADECSEDA NMB ICT IncubatorSEDA and Nelson Mandela Bay Metro co-own this incubator targetingSMMEs from the Information, Communication, Technology, Media and Artsindustries. There are currently eight projects all under incubation. Most of thetechnical expertise is outsourced from local consulting firms. The focus of theincubator is more on business development than research.Other InitiativesVarious state-funded organizations (SEDA, IDC, ECDC, NMBM, MBDA,BCM and ECDEEA) are assisting with financing, marketing, and businessdevelopment support for many of the region’s R&D activities. Most of thissupport is targeted to assisting SMMEs. SEDA assists with business plandevelopment and IDC is a leading financier of projects at post-feasibility stage.Funding is explored in greater detail later in this report.There are several initiatives underway among these organizations insupport of basic and applied research in the region. For example, the SEDAoffice in Port Elizabeth is currently collaborating with a Danish company onalternative energy research that could have commercial applications in the area.The ECDC office in Port Elizabeth is engaged in talks with a Russian firm ondevelopment of solar energy technologies.Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)There are only a handful of NGOs engaged in research, technologydevelopment, or innovation in the Nelson Mandela Bay region. However, thereare a number of organizations providing support and assistance to smallbusinesses engaged in research or product development. Several relevantNGO initiatives are described below.Automotive Industry Development Centre (AIDC)AIDC is a for-profit NGO established by local and provincial governmentand with participation by the automotive industry. The ultimate purpose isregional economic development, focused on increasing the performance andcompetitiveness of local suppliers to the large vehicle manufacturers (OEMs).AssociationsThere are several associations, particularly in the agricultural sector, thatprovide a platform for product development and potential linkages withmanufacturing in Port Elizabeth. Among these are the Kirkwood FarmersAssociation, Marine Growers, Wool and Mohair Buyers Association, LocalBreeds Societies, and the Sunday River Valley Citrus Cooperative.103 Algernon Road, Norwood (Johannesburg). Tel (011)728-1965 / 6690 Fax (011)728-8371Adec@ADEC1.com. Suite 131, Private Bag X5, Norwood 2117 SOUTH AFRICA 33