pre-feasibility assessment report - Innovationeasterncape.co.za

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African Development Economic ConsultantsADECpublic and private investment in university programmes, which again increasesthe resources and the prestige of the university. Finally, the park itself can helpgenerate income for the university that can also help fund certain programmes.However, income generation should not be the only (or the most important)reason for the university to become affiliated with the park.Research OrientationWhilst it is not recommended that the R&D Park affiliate with a specificresearch function to the exclusion of others, there is a need to focus attentionand marketing on specific NMMU and Regional R&D strengths. In particular,there is the unique opportunity to make this park the centre for South African(and African) research in Materials Sciences and, specifically, Nanotechnology.This rapidly-growing field is attracting significant international attention andfunding is growing exponentially for nanotech research. NMMU has beenawarded the Centre for HRTEM and the university has particular strengths inphysics, molecular engineering, communications, and alternative energy. CSIRhas part of its materials sciences division located here and the region hascompetitive strengths in the materials science arena.The Importance of AmenitiesThe NMMU R&D Park should be competitive not just with office parks inPort Elizabeth, but with other R&D parks on a global scale. The park must bemarketed not only to attract potential investors and collaborators, but also tohelp the university and Port Elizabeth attract the best and brightest researchersin key fields. Quality of life has proven to be one of the most important factors inattracting and recruiting top research talent. The park must be marketed tohighlight its location on one of the world’s most scenic coastlines, with access toworld-class seafront amenities, natural environment, and high-quality housing.High-quality education for the children of researchers and executives must alsobe emphasized. The renowned Grey High School is located in Port Elizabeth,and Pearson High School in Summerstrand – just a few blocks from the NMMU- is gaining an increasing reputation as a school of choice. There are also anumber of private schools in Port Elizabeth. The NMMU site does, in fact, offera unique opportunity because of its setting and location in a spectacular naturalenvironment.Conceptual Development ProgrammeA conceptual development programme for the R&D Park is recommendedas a guide for a Master Planning effort as a way forward. The developmentprogramme is recommended based on the findings of the R&D assessmentsand the Market Analyses, as well as on the best practice of comparable parks inother locations. This programme includes “anchor” uses (institutional andGovernment) which help to spur private sector interest, institutional spin-off andincubators, core industry recruitment targets, and market-based business andsupport uses. The programme would be revised and amended as part of athorough Master Planning effort and more detailed feasibility analysis.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 86
African Development Economic ConsultantsADECAnchor Institutional UsesThere are specific institutional and Government uses that should beconcentrated in the R&D Park as anchors for attracting private sectorinvestment, product development, and spin-offs. Several of the followinganchors either already exist nearby or are currently under development. It isrecommended that the existing anchors become incorporated into the R&DPark whilst the new facilities be developed within a broader context of masterplanning for the park.• Centre for High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy(planned). This R178 million nanotechnology research centre willhouse high-resolution microscopic equipment (HRTEM) that will beunique within the African continent. The 1,500 square metre facilitycan become an important anchor for an R&D park with potential forattracting businesses with an interest in partnerships in developmentof emerging nanotech-based technologies. Currently, the facility isunder development on a vacant site next to the existing NMMUPhysics Building near the proposed site for an R&D park. Arendering of the north elevation of the facility (by Aurecon) isprovided below. Ideally, the building would have been designed as amore striking and unique facility which, in itself, would generateacclaim and interest. However, there are a number of constraints onmodification of the building’s ultimate design. .Under ideal conditions, it would berecommended that the facility beincluded in a Master Plan for theoverall park and that anappropriate location be selectedand designed in this broadercontext. However, the projectcannot be halted so the facility’scurrent site must be integratedinto the Master Planning for theR&D Park and its overalldevelopment strategy as ananchor use critical to themarketing of the park. There is also the recommendation that NMMU103 Algernon Road, Norwood (Johannesburg). Tel (011)728-1965 / 6690 Fax (011)728-8371Adec@ADEC1.com. Suite 131, Private Bag X5, Norwood 2117 SOUTH AFRICA 87
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