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REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA
MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
National Policy on Research, Science,
Technology and Innovation, 2012
Implementation Plan

Implementation Plan 2012
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Implementation Plan 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS……………………………………………………………………….I
ACRONYMS ..................................................................................................... III
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY……………………………………………………………………IV
CHAPTER 1: RSTI OVERVIEW ...................................................................... 1
Botswana’s RSTI landscape ............................................................................................. 1
RSTI advantages ............................................................................................................... 5
RSTI challenges ................................................................................................................ 7
CHAPTER 2: RSTI POLICY AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ......................... 10
2.1. THE POLICY CYCLE ....................................................................................... 10
2.2. THE RSTI POLICY REVIEW PROCESS ................................................................. 11
Policy intent .................................................................................................................... 13
2.3. RSTI STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ......................................................................... 14
2.3.1. Strategic Priority 1: Technology, Research and Innovation capacity ................. 14
2.3.2. Strategic Priority 2: Human resources ................................................................ 17
2.3.3. Strategic priority 3: Institutional capacity ........................................................... 18
2.3.4. Strategic Priority 4: Networking and collaboration ............................................ 19
2.3.5. Strategic Priority 5: Knowledge Base .................................................................. 20
2.4. CONNECTION BETWEEN RSTI STRATEGIC PRIORITIES AND NATIONAL GOALS .............. 21
CHAPTER 3: INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE................................................ 28
3.1. NATIONAL SYSTEM OF INNOVATION .................................................................. 28
3.2. INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES FOR IMPLEMENTATION ............................................. 32
3.3. ACTION PLAN FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES .................... 33
3.3.1. Key actions and milestones .................................................................................. 33
CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DETAILED POLICY AGENDA ...... 37
4.1 NATIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEM ....................................................................... 38
4.2 FUNDING .................................................................................................... 42
4.3 PRIVATE SECTOR .......................................................................................... 46
4.4 DEMAND-DRIVEN RSTI .................................................................................. 49
4.5 HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN CAPACITY BUILDING................................ 51
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4.6 BUILDING A CULTURE OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION ............................................. 57
4.7 SAFETY, ETHICS AND NATIONAL QUALITY STANDARDS ............................................ 59
4.8 INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (IKS) .......................................................... 62
4.9 SUPPORTIVE LEGAL FRAMEWORK ...................................................................... 66
4.10 INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGIES ..................................... 69
4.11 GENDER, YOUTH AND VULNERABLE GROUPS .................................................. 71
4.12 TECHNOLOGY MONITORING, ASSESSMENT AND FORECASTING ............................. 74
CHAPTER 5: PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND COSTS CONSIDERATIONS ..... 79
CHAPTER 6: MONITORING AND EVALUATION .......................................... 83
GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL RSTI POLICY ........... 83
– STRATEGIC PRIORITIES ..................................................................................... 83
GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL RSTI POLICY ........... 83
– INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURES .............................................................................. 83
GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING NATIONAL RSTI PERFORMANCE......................................... 83
GUIDELINES FOR MEASURING THE PERFORMANCE OF RSTI INSTITUTIONS .......................... 83
Botswana National Research Development and Innovation Coordinating Council….. 89
Directorate on Research Science and Technology (DRST) ........................................... 92
Sector Research Committees and Boards....................................................................... 97
National Research Funding Board ................................................................................. 99
Botswana Research Centres ......................................................................................... 102
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ACRONYMS
DRST Department of Research Science and Technology
RSTI Research, Science, Technology and Innovation
BNRDICC Botswana National Research Development and Innovation Coordinating Council
NRF National Research Fund
MTC Ministry of Transport and Communication
RTOs Research and Technology Organisations
IHL Institute of Higher Learning
TEC Tertiary Education Council
BOCCIM Botswana Confederation of Commerce, Industry and Manpower
ROCIP Registrar of Companies and Intellectual Property
MTI Ministry of Trade and Industry
DCM Department of Curriculum Development
MOESD Ministry of Education Skills and Development
BOBS Botswana Bureau of Standards
DEA Department of Energy Affairs
DRPI Department of Radiation and Protection Inspectorate
NA National Assembly
NHRDC National Human Resource Development Council
MIST Ministry of Infrastructure Science and Technology
TT&D Teacher Training and Development
DWA Department of Women’s Affairs
CESRIKI Centre for Scientific Research, Indigenous Knowledge and Innovation
MYSC Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture
GERD Gross Expenditure on Research and Development
ICT Information Communication Technology
R&D Research and Development
DY Department of Youth
S&T Science and Technology
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Based on the National Policy on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation of 2011, a detailed implementation strategy is
hereby presented, defining priorities and action plan. The policy represents Botswana’s commitment to diversify her economy,
attain global competitiveness, and enhance quality of life of the Batswana through development, adaptation and application of
research, innovation, and technology.
The implementation of the National Policy on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (RSTI) is critical for the achievement
of the knowledge and technology-based competitiveness that are expected to form the basis for economic sustainability of
Botswana and are closely interrelated. They collectively affect and concern all sectors of society. RSTI policy must go beyond
simplistic models based on supporting basic research to more complex models of networks and interacting with stakeholders.
In line with the current global dynamics, Botswana needs to adopt a systemic approach to support RSTI efforts. This systemic
approach requires a clear vision and objectives, programmes, incentives, measures, roles, targets and monitoring indicators. Detail
planning is necessary to effectively address identified gaps in a structured and functional manner that will allow leveraging of
synergies across RSTI actors to achieve greater impact than individual non-coordinated interventions.
The National Policy on RSTI is a revision of the Science and Technology (S&T) Policy of 1998. The policy reiterates the important
role of RSTI in economic development and acknowledges the need to integrate it into all sectors of the economy through multiple
stakeholders. Since 1998 significant strides were made towards the advancement of Science and Technology, including the
establishment of a Ministry responsible for the coordination and leadership of Research Science and Technology in Botswana and
the Botswana Innovation Hub to provide a platform for collaboration between academia, industry and public sector. The
advancement of RSTI can accelerate the attainment of Botswana’s national development goals if it manages to leverage the
country’s relative advantages while filling the gaps. The RSTI policy and implementation plan represent steps in that direction.
The present implementation plan proposes mechanisms and structures for coordination of linkages across sectors, priority setting
and allocation of funds for RSTI activities, as well as guidelines for specific programmes to be adopted in the short to the long term.
The proposed structures include advisory, executive and funding bodies to be coordinated at the highest level of policy to ensure its
effective implementation across all sectors. It is expected that the proposed structure of institutions and programmes will supplant
the currently fragmented support to RSTI activities, and lead to broader and faster socio-economic progress. As noted by experts,
in today’s global economy investment in Research, Science, Technology and Innovation is not luxury reserved for advanced
economies, but an economic and social necessity, and a key part of any strategy for sustainable development.
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CHAPTER 1: RSTI OVERVIEW
Botswana’s RSTI landscape
Basic education (primary and secondary schooling) is a fundamental enabler of the knowledge economy and crucial for the future
development of a country. Tertiary education is critical for the build-up of domestic innovative and absorptive capacity in the
medium and longer term. The percentage of tertiary students in science and engineering fields can serve as an indication of the
nation’s capacity and interest in scientific and technical subjects.
Advancement in education over the last decade has been significant. Botswana has been able to increase adult literacy rate as
well as secondary and tertiary enrolment (Table 1). Government spending on education accounts for 7.9% of the GDP and 21% of
total government expenditure. Yet almost 15% of the population above 15 years of age remains illiterate.
Botswana has a relatively low enrolment in tertiary education but with significant percentage of tertiary students in science and
engineering fields compared to the average in SADC countries. The latter indicates an interest in and inclination towards the
sciences and technology and capacity for innovative thinking. However, “brain drain” continues to be a critical problem as the
economy struggles to absorb and retain these graduates (SARUA, 2008).
Table1: Botswana Education Indicators
2000 Most recent
Adult literacy rate (% age 15 and above) 78.6 83.3 (a)
Gross secondary enrolment (%) 75.2 76.4 (b)
Gross tertiary enrolment (%) 3.36 5.12 (b)
% Tertiary students in Science & Engineering fields n/a 17
Government spending on education (% GDP) n/a 7.9 (a)
Government expenditure on education (% total expenditure) n/a 21 (a)
Source: World Bank Development Indicators, and UNESCO Institute of Statistics (UIS)
(a) 2009, (b) 2008 / UNDP Human Development Report (2007/2008)
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A country’s technological performance is generally measured through a number of input and output indicators. Input indicators
include R&D expenditures (by both private and public sectors), and number of researchers and scientific personnel. Outputs
include patents granted, and scientific and technical publications. These indicators are regularly collected in a large number of
developed and developing countries, including 19 African countries that are part of the NEPAD African Science, Technology and
Innovation Indicators (ASTII) initiative. However, in Botswana progress in terms of innovation inputs is difficult to follow up since
these statistics are not collected due to difficulty in sourcing information from concerned entities, and little innovation-related
investments taking place in the country.
National R&D efforts were estimated at 0.4% of GDP in 2004 – this figure continues to be used as a benchmark although it has not
been officially updated since. The number of full time researchers was estimated at 265 in 2004, or the equivalent of 139
researchers per million populations. This value was considerably higher than the SADC average, and closer to the values for South
Africa (135) and Mauritius (150) than those found in similarly small neighbour countries such as Lesotho (33) and Swaziland (55)
(SARUA, 2008).
Some output indicators can be found in international databases (table 2). According to the World Bank database (2009), Botswana
has had no patents granted internationally from 2003 to 2007. However, in terms of scientific and technical publications, it
performed better than other countries in the region, following South Africa.
Table2: Technology Output Indicators (2009)
Patents Granted by USPTO
(by Mil. People)
2003-2007
South Africa 2.9 50.47
Botswana 0 26.35
Mauritius 0 12.71
Namibia 0 11.59
Lesotho 0 2.69
Zambia 0 0.39
Source: World Bank KAM database (2009)
S&T Journal Articles
(by Mil. People)
2005
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A composite indicator of technological capacity is constructed by the World Bank’s “Knowledge Economy Index” based on its
Knowledge Assessment Methodology (KAM). KAM consists of 109 structural and qualitative variables that serve as proxies for ‘four
pillars’ of the development of a knowledge economy. The variables comprise measures of growth, governance, skills, technological
effort and ICT infrastructure. The Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) is the average of the performance of a country in the four pillars,
and Knowledge Index (KI) in three ‘pillars’: Education, Innovation and Information Communications & Technology (without the
governance indicators). Table 3 shows that according to the KEI, Botswana ranks fourth in Sub-Saharan Africa, following Mauritius,
South Africa and Namibia. However, in a global scale Botswana still lags behind many developing regions, ranking 95 out of 145
countries
Table3: Knowledge Economy Index (KEI) and Knowledge Index (KI)
Economic Incentive
Rank Country KEI KI
Regime Innovation Index Education Index
1 Mauritius 5.48 4.63 8.01 3.63 4.03
2 South Africa 5.38 5.33 5.55 6.85 4.68
3 Namibia 4.28 3.37 7.01 3.14 2.65
4 Botswana 3.88 3.37 5.38 4.06 2.65
5 Cape Verde 3.35 3.01 4.37 2.16 3.03
6 Swaziland 2.78 2.87 2.51 4.17 1.97
7 Kenya 2.77 2.69 2.99 3.83 1.83
8 Senegal 2.57 2.16 3.79 2.85 1
9 Ghana 2.46 1.97 3.93 2.02 1.78
10 Uganda 2.36 1.76 4.18 2.33 1.18
Source: World Bank KAM database (2009
Botswana envisions an ‘educated and informed nation which would have fully entered into the information age on an equal footing
with other nations by mainstreaming computers and internet’ (Vision 2016). Indicators of ICT use and penetration show that in
Botswana the adoption of mobile phones (table 4) has grown exponentially, from 222,000 subscriptions in 2000 to 1,486,000 in
2008 (over 75% of the population). Internet users have also increased rapidly in recent years, growing at an annual rate of 10%
from 2000 to 2008 (Table 4). The Government is collaborating with other countries in the region to improve the region’s
international connectivity through undersea fibre optic cable from the east and west coasts of Africa to broaden regional cooperation.
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Table4: Information society indicators Botswana 2003-2008 – per 100 people
2000 2003 2006 2007 2008 Average annual growth rate
Internet
users 2.9 3.3 4.3 4.5 6.2 10%
Mobile
phone
subscribers 12.9 29.1 44.3 75.8 77.4 25%
Personal
computers 3.5 4.2 4.8 n/a n/a -
Telephone
mainlines 7.9 7.3 7.1 7.3 7.4 -1.1%
Source: African Development Indicators (World Bank database)
Compared to other countries in the region( table 5), Botswana appears well located in terms of telecommunications, following South
Africa in both fixed telephone and mobile take-up (Table 5). However the price of hardware and software remain largely
unaffordable for the majority in Botswana and this probably explains why PC penetration remains low (around 4%). High prices can
be attributable to lack of local ICT manufacturing capacity and the taxation on computers and telecommunications products and
services (DLIS, 2010).
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Table5: Telecommunications statistics of sub-Saharan Africa and the Southern African countries (2007) – per 100 people
Main
Mobile
telephone lines subscribers Internet users
South Africa 9.56 87.08 10.75
Botswana 7.78 75.84 4.55
Namibia 6.66 38.58 4.87
Lesotho 2.97 22.71 2.87
Zimbabwe 2.58 9.18 10.12
Malawi 1.26 7.55 1
Zambia 0.77 22.14 4.19
Madagascar 0.68 11.27 0.58
Mozambique 0.33 15.42 0.9
Sub-Saharan Africa 1.65 18.28 3.23
Source: International telecommunication Union (ITU) Statistics
Nevertheless the measurable picture as evidenced by input and output indicators might misrepresent Botswana’s real innovation
capability strengths and potential. Other qualitative advantages and challenges related to RSTI require further consideration.
RSTI advantages
Botswana has a number of comparative advantages that could be strengthened in her path towards becoming a competitive,
knowledge-based society.
Good investment climate. High diamond revenues have allowed large investments in infrastructure development and education
making it an attractive global investment location. Government and macroeconomic stability have attracted foreign investment into
the economy – particularly in the mining industry – bringing new technologies, new knowledge and new skills to the country.
Good communications infrastructure. The country boasts good traditional infrastructure (water, electricity, transport, etc.) and is
improving in rural areas – for instance rural access of electricity increased from 24% in 2004 to 43% in 2008. Modern
telecommunications infrastructure is also on the increase(telephone, mobile and internet penetration).Botswana’s ICT infrastructure
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conditions provide an opportunity for technology leapfrogging, and for increasing productivity in key productive sectors (mining,
energy, agriculture, health, education, etc.).
Prioritization of human capital formation. The development of Botswana’s human resource capacity through education and
training has become a first line priority. This is reflected in the recent approval of the National Human Resource Development
Strategy (NHRDS) (2009-2022), and its current implementation.
Capacity for RSTI performance. Botswana has a number of institutions tasked with researching, developing and/or adapting
technologies for application in Botswana. These include higher education sector institutions (University of Botswana and the
recently established Botswana International University of Science and Technology), and public sector research and technology
institutes (including Botswana Technology Centre, The Rural Industries Promotions Company of Botswana (RIPCO (B), Botswana
Vaccine Institute and the National Food Technology Research Centre (NFTRC). Additionally, government departments also
undertake research in their respective areas – such as the Department of Agricultural Research, the Department of Energy Affairs,
the Department of Geological Survey and the Department of Water Affairs. Thusano Lefatsheng and Veld Products Research and
Development are key non-governmental organizations working on the commercialization of some natural resources. Botswana
Bureau of Standards (BOBS) is the official body responsible for all issues related to standardization and quality assurance at
national level. Botswana’s RSTI capacity will be pushed forward with the opening of Botswana´s first Science and Technology Park,
Botswana Innovation Hub, in 2012.
Capacity for RSTI governance. Botswana has been building up her governance capacity on RSTI for over a decade with the
approval of the National S&T Policy in 1998, and the development of an action plan for research in 2005 (Botswana National
Research Science and technology Plan, BNRSTP) – this plan identified research priorities and the required resources and funding
instruments for its execution. In 2004 Botswana established the Department of Research Science and Technology (DRST), initially
under the Ministry of Communications Science and Technology and recently moved to the Ministry of Infrastructure, Science and
Technology (MIST) in 2009. DRST has the responsibility to coordinate research, science and technology development by providing
an enabling policy environment and also ensuring that research activities are aligned to the national priorities. The MIST also
oversees two technological and scientific research institutions: the Botswana Technology Centre (BOTEC), and the Rural Industries
Promotions Company (Botswana) (RIPCO (B)).
Potential for international collaboration. For small countries like Botswana, the process of innovation and technology
development depends critically on its links with the rest of the world. Botswana’s membership to international organizations could
facilitate its access to globally available knowledge and technology. Additionally, the sector specific bilateral agreements have been
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signed between Botswana and other countries for mutual benefit in Research, Science, Technology and Innovation. Botswana also
signed the SADC Science Technology and Innovation Protocol; is a member of the African Union and supports the Consolidated
Plan of Action (CPA) for Africa on Science and Technology; a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and also
participates in the AFRA programme.
RSTI challenges
Botswana has experienced advances in RSTI but continues to face important challenges such as:
Low innovative capability. The innovative capability of Botswana remains low at a global scale. According to the Knowledge
Economy Index (World Bank database, 2009), Botswana ranks 95 out of 145 countries, and its rank has deteriorated considerably
in recent years. Botswana imports most of its capital goods (machinery and equipment) from neighbouring countries. In terms of
technology, Botswana continues to depend on imported technologies with very little adaptation and innovation involved.
Shortage of critical skills. The deficit of skills in Botswana has been long and widely acknowledged. Despite heavy investments in
education, the education system has been for many years biased towards the needs of the public sector and neglected those of the
private sector – not only manufacturing but also the needs of the mining sector, which is the main driver of the country’s economic
development) (UNCTAD, 2005). A recent report (SARUA, 2008) highlights the shortage of local skills in the health and education
sectors, and the widespread use of foreign expatriates in all sectors of the economy. Additionally, the chances of economic
diversification are hampered by the severe shortage of professional skills in critical sectors such as human-capital-intensive service
industries (e.g. Banking), manufacturing, and sectors that could potentially exploit national advantages (e.g. solar energy and
natural conservation).
Narrow economic spectrum. Botswana’s narrow economic base on the exploitation of mineral resources has been an impediment
to expand opportunities in other sectors through technological innovation. The primary aim of the 1998 S&T Policy was to facilitate
the diversification of Botswana’s economy from reliance on the mining of diamonds. RSTI is critical for increasing productivity and
promoting competitiveness of the different sectors including mining by encouraging the application of innovative and efficient
technology, suitable for local conditions and minimizing of environmental degradation. Downstream processing of minerals, such
as, cutting and jewellery manufacturing and diamond-associated services need cutting edge technologies to stay competitive in the
global market. The launch of the Diamond Hub in 2008 represents a significant step towards expansion of opportunities for
participating in the diamond value chain of manufacturing and services based on new technologies and innovative processes.
These can eventually lead to business expansion, higher returns and economic diversification.
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Research collaboration remains low. Dissemination of knowledge and technology transfer across actors is the engine of a wellfunctioning
innovation system. In Botswana the RSTI landscape has been described as highly fragmented, scattered over several
institutions, without coordination, streamlining or proper targeting (DRST, 2009). Achievements in research and technological
development have not been disseminated due to poor linkages with end-users, and little collaboration amongst local researchers
(SARUA, 2008). Interactions between industry, research institutions and learning institutions are sparse. Botswana’s infant SME
sector is particularly vulnerable to lack of access to research and technologies resulting in perpetual low-productivity and limited
possibilities to create considerable local technology capabilities. The establishment of the Botswana Innovation Hub and the
Botswana International University of Science and Technology are intended to encourage the interaction between education,
research and production activities.
Excessive dependence on the State. Currently the government is the largest employer and financier of research and
development. The need to encourage private sector involvement in economic development through RSTI is critical as it facilitates
the creation of alternative engines of growth and supports small and medium enterprises which are vital for sustainable
development.
Poor monitoring and evaluation. The development and revision of evidence-based policy requires adequate indicators. Indicators
allow adequate monitoring of activities and programmes, evaluation of RSTI performance over time and against other countries,
conducting of foresight exercises, determination of specific areas of investment, and setting up of targets. Botswana needs to
deploy greater efforts to create a record of science, technology and innovation resources in the country in order to inform policy
decision making.
Indigenous knowledge remains largely disregarded. Knowledge is the key input to innovation. It can come from a formal
process, such as research and development (R&D), but can also be indigenous knowledge developed over centuries of learning
from the environment. Indigenous knowledge can play a central role in transforming and modifying technologies to suit local
conditions and the local context, and also in the development of indigenous home-grown technologies. To play that role, indigenous
knowledge needs to be documented, protected and efficiently managed. Botswana needs to incorporate indigenous knowledge into
the formulation of research and technology development strategies. The work of the Centre for Scientific Research, Indigenous
Knowledge and Innovation (CESRIKI) at the University of Botswana, contributes to this goal.
Funding infrastructure for RSTI activities. In order to achieve her ambitious goals espoused in Vision 2016, NDP 10 and other
policies, Botswana needs to significantly increase efforts in research, development and innovative activities. To this end, the
establishment of a funding body that coordinates funding is largely overdue. The scarcity of finances in the face of competing
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demands on the public purse requires exploring innovative funding regimes. Innovative funding infrastructures for RSTI involves
both ensuring that relevant areas for research and innovation are covered but also exploring means of recovering the costs of
public support and encouraging greater co-operation between public and private enterprises.
Slow Policy implementation. The 1998 S&T policy was implemented to some extent, although some of the proposed structures
for coordination and funding of scientific research within the country have never been launched. Only the National Commission for
Science and Technology (NCST) was established in 2002 but was dissolved in 2006 after the establishment of the Department of
Research Science and Technology. The need to develop coordination structures that facilitate the process of setting up priorities
collectively across sectors and fund allocation has become apparent. Operating these mechanisms entails building a new
coordination and advisory structure at the highest level of policy.
These challenges were identified over a decade ago, and reiterated in successive plans and revisions. The major impediment to
the successful implementation of the 1998 S&T Policy was failure to establish institutional structures as was recommended. Whilst
the ministry and a department responsible for research science and technology were established, they were not able to carry out
the full coordination mandate due to their setup at same level as the other ministries. Lack of awareness on the existence of the
1998 S&T Policy by stakeholders was evidence that it was not adequately communicated resulting in unsatisfactory
implementation. In an increasingly competitive local and global environment, innovative solutions are urgently required especially in
small economies such as Botswana. Clearly, there is a pressing need for effective implementation to take place. To address these
challenges, the present document presents details of the implementation plan of the RSTI Policy.
The Policy seeks to provide an enabling environment for RSTI activities to thrive, including the structures for RSTI coordination and
funding required for vibrant scientific and technological research and innovation growth. The emphasis is on creating and
increasing the national stock of knowledge through research, and ensuring benefits from this research accrue through technology
development and innovation. It is therefore necessary in the effort to bring everybody on board, to re-brand the policy by modifying
its name to reflect this new emphasis which will be applied across all the sectors of the economy.
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CHAPTER 2: RSTI POLICY AND STRATEGIC PRIORITIES
2.1. The policy cycle
Policies are first formulated, then implementation plans are developed and finally the policies are put in practice through programs
and specific activities.
Policy implementation requires proper monitoring and evaluation tools in the form of indicators that can be used to closely
scrutinize the implementation process and its impacts on the economy from the ealy stages. The results of the monitoring and
evaluation process might lead to a reformulation and /or revision of the implementation programmes.
The purpose of indicators during policy implementation process is to answer questions such as the following:
� What inputs are being devoted to implementation?
� What outputs are being achieved?
� What is the timeline?
After implementation we should be able to answer these questions:
� What was the contribution of policy instruments in the realisation of policy targets? (outcomes, impact and effectiveness of
policy instruments)?
� What was the cost-effectiveness of policy instruments, and could targets have been reached against lower costs (efficiency
of policy instruments)?
These questions can be answered at two levels:
� at the programme level
� at the institutional level
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The policy cycle is illustrated below in diagram 1.
Diagram 1: Outline of a policy cycle- from formulation to revision
2.2. The RSTI policy review process
Revitalizing Botswana’s RSTI system requires combined efforts of Government, private sector, research sector, academia,
development partners and civil society. The Government has expressed the intention to address these issues through an
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“innovation systems” approach. This approach has been guided by the successful experience of other economies, as well as by
regional and continental agreed commitments set forth by the SADC STI protocol, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development
Plan (RISDP) and the Consolidated Plan of Action (CPA).
In particular, the present implementation plan set out to address critical issues affecting RSTI capabilities in Botswana is guided by
recommendations contained in the following documents:
Science and Technology (S&T) Policy for Botswana (1998) – developed and approved by Parliament at the onset of the
National Development Plan (NDP) 8 (covering the period 1998-2003). The S&T policy devised multiple objectives and strategies
that intended to infuse the application of science and technology to broaden Botswana’s economic base and drive sectoral goals for
socio-economic development. The Policy was intended to be used by Government as a guiding instrument for future development
of RSTI in the country and as a tool for economic diversification and improving productivity.
Botswana Research, Science and Technology (BNRST) Plan (2005)- The plan was developed by the Ministry of
Communication, Science and Technology of Botswana to outline priority investment areas in research and how they would meet
Botswana’s national goals, (e.g. contribution to Vision 2016 and NDPs). The plan also elaborated specific policy interventions and
institutional developments that would support its implementation in the medium and long terms.
Review of the 1998 S&T Policy (2009) - The rationale of this exercise was to assess the extent to which the goals of the 1998
S&T policy were achieved in the subsequent decade, and also re-align the strategic goals of the 1998 policy to the national
development planning process (Vision 2016, the NDP 9 and 10). The revision of the 1998 S&T policy entailed extensive key
stakeholder and sectoral consultation. The key outcome of this review was a detailed analytical document of the RSTI landscape in
Botswana identifying challenges and gaps to be addressed by a policy. It revealed that the setbacks that hampered successful
R&D were virtually similar to those identified in 1998, implying that the 1998 policy had made little impact in the creation of jobs and
wealth.
National Policy on Research, Science, Technology and Innovation (2011) – which is a revision of the 1998 S&T policy,
consolidated with the BNRST Plan and the recommendations of the 1998 policy review of 2009. The Policy is the result of
extensive consultation with stakeholders and indicates key assets in the move toward an RSTI-led economy. The next stage
entails translating the Policy into a series of implementation programmes and institutional structures that drive the commitments
expressed in the Policy. The Department of Research, Science and Technology (DRST) currently plays the central role in
achieving these goals. All these documents agree on the need to prioritize collaboration and coordination amongst all stakeholders
involved and affected by research, science, technology and innovation, in order to attain broad national development goals (as
expressed in Vision 2016 and NDP 10). They also point out Botswana’s deficiencies in RSTI and the urgency to establish a
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coherent coordination framework that brings up new knowledge-based opportunities for the improvement of all sectors of the
economy.
With limited resources, it is important to focus on a set of strategic priorities that can lead and multiply RSTI investments and propel
productivity in other sectors. Based on the findings and recommendations of these earlier exercises, the triggers to improve
Botswana’s RSTI landscape are: 1) strong research capacity, both government and private sector; 2) creating an environment
conducive to the generation, application, adaptation, dissemination and transfer of suitable technologies; 3) promoting innovation
activities; 4) developing adequate human resource capacity; 5) developing institutional capacity to coordinate, managing and
financing RSTI activities; 6) promoting networking and collaboration to maximise RSTI resources and generating synergies across
sectors and 6) expanding the knowledge base – both indigenous and scientific knowledge.
Policy intent
� Vision: Botswana will become a globally competitive nation with technology development, innovation and knowledge driving
socio-economic growth.
� Mission: To achieve knowledge driven economy through effective and sustainable Science and Technology based research
and innovation.
Goals:
Increased national capacity for economic growth through research, infusion of indigenous knowledge in the national R &D
agenda, innovation and sustainable technology development, use and application to improve the quality of life.
Objectives:
To promote research and innovation in the areas of priority for sustainable, socio-economic development of Botswana, and
foster collaborative scientific research among academic and scientific institutions and the private sector.
To mobilize adequate resources, both human and financial, for research, technology development and transfer, innovation
and development of technology driven and knowledge intensive industries.
To provide an enabling environment for the coordination, development and implementation of STI policy and promotion,
support and participation in research and integration of S&T into all sectors of the economy; and nurture creativity.
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Implementation Plan 2012
To cultivate a sense of responsibility among the science and technology institutions in the country for ensuring attainment of
high standards of quality, safety and quantity of research outputs as part of their social responsibility and commitment.
To promote the establishment of collaborations, partnerships and linkages among stakeholders, private sector and
international science, research and development community.
To build a national culture of innovation and integration of traditional knowledge into modern science.
2.3. RSTI Strategic priorities
The policy goals and RSTI aspirations can be summarised into five strategic priorities which relate to the THINK methodology (an
acronym for Technology, Human resources, Institutions, Networking/Collaboration and Knowledge base). This methodology has
been recently developed at the World Bank (Wagner and Farley, 2009) to facilitate the analysis across sectors and comparison
across countries. Applying this methodology to examine the Botswana’s RSTI landscape is likely to benefit benchmarking regionally
and internationally.
2.3.1. Strategic Priority 1: Technology, Research and Innovation capacity
[a] Technology capacity. Technological progress is widely acknowledged as a key source for economic growth, human and social
development. The challenges faced by Botswana such as energy, water, communication infrastructure, unemployment and
shortage of human resources, require to some extent the development, application and diffusion of technologies.
Technology includes physical infrastructure, machinery and equipment but also the knowledge and the capacity to organise and
use all of these. Traditional industries can be modernised by incorporating more advanced technologies and their assimilation into
the production process. The application of new technologies is also critical lever for diversification and transformation of all sectors,
from agriculture and mining sectors.
New technologies increase the productivity of factors (land, labour and capital), reduce the costs of production and improve the
quality of outputs. In many cases, access to simple and existing technologies by poor people is the key to improve their income and
livelihood. Botswana needs to strengthen its capability not only to develop new indigenous technologies but also to scan and take
advantage of technologies that exists elsewhere.
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Implementation Plan 2012
In relation to technology capacity, the focus of the RSTI Policy can be summarized into:
Private Sector Support Commitment to strategies that support technology and business incubation, technology transfer and
diffusion.
Use of technology by industry will be stimulated by strengthening linkages between national research
Generation of new
technologies
Adoption of existing
technologies – e.g.
ICTs
institutions, NGOs, the private sector and extension organisations.
Promotion of home-grown technologies that respond to the needs of economic and social agents.
Commitment to national quality and safety standard to open new markets and ensure global
competitiveness of the local technologies; enforcement of regulations and safety standards for the
existing and emerging technologies.
Forecasting and foresight exercises for futuristic medium to long term vision building
Improving ICT infrastructure – improves bandwidth through undersea fibre-optic cables and explores
opportunities for wireless technologies.
Digital inclusion – implementation of the ICT Policy (Maitlamo) 2005
[b] Research capacity. The successful conversion of knowledge (scientific and non-scientific) into value for the economy and
society at large depends on substantial efforts and investment on research. The importance of research for development is twofold:
it generates new knowledge and also increases the absorptive capacity of an economy, that is, the ability to recognise the value of
new external knowledge, assimilate it and apply to commercial ends. Research activities are located in businesses, universities and
public research organisations; and tackle the problems faced in many areas including health, agriculture and climate change.
The National RSTI Policy identifies research capacity as a main strategic priority, and focuses on increasing the quantity and the
quality of research activities in Botswana as follows:
Research prioritisation Commitment to conduct regular and sector specific research prioritisation with the involvement of key
stakeholders
Focus on alleviation of societal needs and challenges and leverage on Botswana’s unique comparative
advantages
Empowerment of societal formations that can inform research institutions of society’s demands for new
knowledge. Promote equitable participation of both men and women, and vulnerable groups in shaping
research questions and priorities
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Implementation Plan 2012
Quantity of research Promotion of new research in key areas through the establishment of national funding systems
Guidance/leadership on selection of key research areas of utmost importance by Government.
Increased participation of private sector in research and development activities.
Quality of research Monitoring of research processes to ensure that they uphold the principles of environmental protection,
and sustainable natural resource management, information management, and governance and support.
Strategies to assess and rate institutional and researcher capability to conduct high quality research,
strong research leadership and competencies will be developed.
Accreditation systems: Improve efficiency and quality of research laboratories
Research and Development Bill, Regulations and Code of Ethics that will guide the moral and ethical
aspects of national research and a clearing house to promote its adoption.
[c] Innovation capacity. Innovation is the process of commercialisation of new or existing knowledge for the benefit of individuals,
groups or communities. This knowledge can be technical or indigenous/social. Therefore, innovation is a technical process as well
as a social and economic one, leading to a new product (goods or services) offered for consumption, or a new process (way of
producing goods and services). The Oslo Manual defines innovation as “the implementation of a new or significantly improved
product (good or service), or process, a new marketing method, or a new organisational method in business practices, workplace
organisation or external relations” (OECD/Eurostat, 2005, p. 46).
Innovation often takes place within firms, and the uncertainty of these investments make innovation activities risky, especially for
small businesses. It is therefore important to provide incentives to innovation, given that successful innovations tend to spread
throughout the economy bringing positive externalities to the society. It is thus important to create mechanisms to ensure that
innovators appropriate the returns to their investments in innovation – such as IP protection.
The RSTI policy commits to support the activities of innovators, through funding, IP protection and diffusion of innovations as
outlined below:
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Implementation Plan 2012
Funding Establishment of an Innovation Fund exclusively for the Botswana Innovation Hub registered
companies
Establishment of the National Research Fund
Funding to support private sector engagement on research and innovation
IP Protection Development of an Intellectual Property Rights Policy to guide the management and exploitation of IP
Generation of national IP expertise/ IP skills – Incorporation of IP education in schools and tertiary
education programmes
Capacitate IP holders – dissemination of IP information and Support small, medium enterprises
(SMEs) in filing patents and other intellectual property
Diffusion Provision of support to small, micro and medium enterprises, to take-up and commercialize the
research and innovation products
2.3.2. Strategic Priority 2: Human resources
It has become well established that a nation’s economic growth depends heavily upon its overall talent base. The level of
sophistication and future technological trajectory of a country are largely determined by the size, quality and utilization of its human
resources. Experience suggests that in particular, the role of scientific and technical human resources probably is the most critical
in terms of long-term growth performance, absorptive capacity and overall performance in RSTI. The small size of the S&T human
resource pool and the shortage of researchers and technically trained workers in Botswana hamper the possibilities of
diversification and competitiveness of the economy. The narrow specialisation feature of the economy suggest that , human
resources development capabilities that contribute not only to raising efficiency in existing economic activities, but also to changing
and diversifying the structure of economic activities.
The urgency of adopting proactive measures to break the vicious cycle involving lack of critical skills and weak businesses base
has been noted before. The Revised National Policy on Education, the Tertiary Education Policy and the implementation of the
National Human Resources Strategy add momentum to the quest for high skills in Botswana. The “brain drain” problem, so
common in SADC and the rest of Africa, requires particular attention. A recent study (SARUA, 2008) indicates that at the University
of Botswana, which is one of the key research performing units in the country, 77% of the professorial rank is international staff.
Great efforts are required to expand local training capacity, and to local staff development effort to address the problem
.
The focus areas of the RSTI policy are the alignment of human resources to national RSTI priorities in relation to education,
training, teaching capacity and widening the human resource base.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Education Curricula review
Support the implementation of education and training policies
Initiatives to identify, nurture and harness students’ technological aptitudes from pre- and primary
school and provision of career advise services.
Strengthening of vocational training in order to support technology uptake and transfer
Training Support opportunities for high-level training – graduate and postgraduate training, in collaboration with
private sector
Build teaching Ensure that appropriately qualified and skilled teachers are available to effectively deliver the curriculum
capacity
Widen the human
resource base
2.3.3. Strategic priority 3: Institutional capacity
by introducing degree programmes at teacher training colleges.
Re-engagement of retired scientists and scientific exchanges
Actions to address gender issues and inequalities in order to encourage equal participation of men and
women in science and technology careers.
Improve participation of youth and vulnerable groups
Public policies that affect research, science, technology are not confined to the national RSTI policy. Instead, policies related to the
macro-economic environment, trade, infrastructure, education, finance, and so forth have a huge influence on shaping the national
capacity for RSTI across many actors in the economy. RSTI policy issues per excellence cut across multiple Ministries and sectors.
The difficulties arising from this cross-cutting nature have been increasingly recognised internationally, and over recent years
certain countries have devoted their efforts to generating governance structures that allow the effective coordination of RSTI across
sectors.
The effective coordination and management of RSTI activities and resources is a major concern reflected in Botswana’s RSTI
policy. The Policy suggests the urgent need to develop an institutional structure that adequately supports funds and coordinates
RSTI activities across sectors to ensure the effective use of resources and maximise the positive impact of RSTI activities in the
livelihoods of the Batswana people. The institutional structure envisaged by the National RSTI policy includes an advisory body,
coordination, funding and performance of RSTI activities, and finally monitoring and evaluation.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Advisory Framework Botswana National Research, Development and Innovation Coordinating Council – advisory body to the
President on issues of research, science, technology and technology; established by statute and
autonomous.
Sector Research Committees and Boards – specific planning, implementation, and coordination in key
sectors.
RSTI Coordination Directorate on Research Science and Technology – positioned at the Ministry responsible for science
and technology; established by statue and semi-autonomous. Main functions: national coordinator or
RSTI; lead planning, formulation, communication, implementation and M&E.
RSTI Funding Establishment of a National Research Fund – Main functions: provision of competitive and multi-sectoral
funds; monitor and evaluate research programmes.
Support the Tertiary Education Fund.
Private sector research and innovation supporting funds
RSTI Performers Establishment of the Botswana Research Centre – Centres of Excellence to develop technologies to
address the national priorities and goals by conducting world class research.
Monitoring and
evaluation
Supporting RSTI activities in Universities and research institutions
Creating and maintaining databanks –critical indicators will inform decision making on planned, on-going
and completed research programmes.
Institutional structures responsible of policy monitoring implementation will be strengthened in mandate,
capacity and capability.
2.3.4. Strategic Priority 4: Networking and collaboration
Innovation and technology-based progress is the outcome of complex interactions among a variety of actors (individuals, firms and
organisations). At the national level it is essential to coordinate and reinforce the relationship among users and producers of
knowledge, between the organizations developing research, technology and innovations and bodies coordinating RSTI.
Much can be gained from strengthening collaboration among national and international actors to support local needs. International
collaboration needs to be designed to address local constraints as well as offering possibilities for equitable development.
The emphasis on strengthening linkages and collaboration between enterprises, research organizations, tertiary education, as well
as the national and international community are addressed in the RSTI Policy.
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Implementation Plan 2012
National Linkages Government will support the development of a strong, cohesive and well-coordinated
National System of Innovation (NSI).
Support programmes that promote interactions and partnerships among stakeholders (such
as academia, innovators, researchers, the public, fund managers) for knowledge and
information exchange.
Create strategic partnerships, clusters and networks between the various community and
professional groupings to maximize S&T information exchange and dissemination.
International linkages Promote and renew strategic bilateral, regional, international and multilateral cooperation
with countries and organisations globally in order to enable local firms and research
institutions to establish partnerships and collaborations at international level.
2.3.5. Strategic Priority 5: Knowledge Base
Botswana strives to transform itself into a knowledge-driven economy. Knowledge is generated by many agents including
individuals, communities, research institutions, private and public firms and government departments. However, knowledge
systems in Botswana remain fragmented and efforts tend to be uncoordinated. This has resulted in duplication of research efforts
and limited utilization of valuable knowledge. Improving access to knowledge and the integration of indigenous knowledge into the
national knowledge base are explicit priorities of the RSTI policy.
Access Encourage public participation in S&T – communal groups and facilities for science, technology, research
and innovation promotion (research laboratory and incubation facilities, science and technology
museums, and exploratory facilities and patronage activities)
Promote inter-generational, multi-disciplinary, cross-social and cultural sharing and transfer of ideas,
knowledge, skills and values – science, technology and engineering shows, fairs, discussions, debates,
exhibitions, rallies, expositions, rallies, and exchange and benchmarking programmes.
Facilitate the systematic dissemination of knowledge – media and data repositories
Integration Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) policy that will address the uniqueness and complexity of
indigenous/ traditional knowledge, and promote a coordinated national IK research and development
agenda.
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Implementation Plan 2012
2.4. Connection between RSTI Strategic Priorities and National Goals
The revision of the RSTI Policy intended to broadly align with the MDGs and the Vision 2016. This section describes how the
strategic priorities relate to the goals set in Vision 2016, NDP 10 as well as other current national policies. The implementation of
the strategy will provide strategic mechanisms that link the goals of Vision 2016 to the strategic goals envisioned in the RSTI Policy
as presented in Figure 3.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Figure1: Contribution of the National Policy on RSTI to national development goals (Vision 2016)
National Development Goals Dimensions of Impact National Policy RSTI
Strategic priorities
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Implementation Plan 2012
The table below connects in more detail the key national development goals as indicated in Vision 2016 to the mission and the
strategic priorities of the National Policy on RSTI through specific indicators. Performance indicators at each stage in the impact
chain (from outputs, and outcomes to impact) chain provide an indication of the attainment of the goals. These indicators could be
useful to broadly monitor progress and impact of the implementation of the RSTI Policy, as it aligns to broader national
development goals. The table also identifies some of the main stakeholders that can play a critical role in achieving each of the
RSTI strategic priorities.
MISSION: To achieve knowledge driven economy through effective and sustainable Science and Technology based Research and
Innovation
GOALS
Increased national capacity for economic growth through research, infusion of indigenous knowledge in the national R &D agenda,
innovation and sustainable technology development, use and application to improve the quality of life.
Increased national human resource capacity in research, science, technology and innovation.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Table 6: Connection between RSTI Policy projected outputs and key national development goals (Vision 2016)
IMPACT Indicators of Impact OUTCOMES
Indicators of progress
Improving quality of life Knowledge-driven economy
Educated and
informed
nation
(1) Knowledge
and skills
� Skilled labour
force(scientists
, engineers,
technical)
� Diverse
knowledge
base
(scientific,
vocational,
indigenous
knowledge.
(a) Research
Capacity
(b) Technology
capacity
(a) Research capacity
� Growing number of research
programs and research
institutes
� Broader research
competencies
� Raising profile of national
research institutions(e.g.
Patents, publications, research
quality- citation analysis
(b) Technology capacity
� Increase number of homegrown
technologies
� Growing interest of
international partners and
investors
24
OUTPUTS
(a) Science/research
capacity
� Identification and
support of critical and
new research areas
� Improvement of
research facilities
� Accreditation systems
for research facilities
� Increase private sector
participation in research
activities
(b) Technology capacity
� Support of technology
use by industry
� Promotion of homegrown
technologies
� Enforcement of
regulations, safety and
Key
Stakeholders
LEA,
CEDA,
BOCCIM,
MTI,
BEDIA,
BOTEC,
RIPCO,
NAFTRC,
MOA, BIH,
UB
MFDP,
BOCCIM
TEC,
BOBS,

Implementation Plan 2012
Prosperous ,
productive and
innovative
nation
(2) Improvement
of economic
Standards
� Employment
generated
from sciencebased
industries
� Participation of
SMMEs in
RSTI activities
� Number of
science/techno
logy-based
businesses
� Economic
diversification
(increase
competitivenes
s and
productivity of
productive
sectors)
� Increase
competitivenes
s and
productivity of
local
(c) Innovative
capacity
(d) Human
Resource
Capacity
� Ability to adapt existing and
emerging technologies to local
needs (technology transfer)
� Improved access/ use of
existing technologies
(technology take-up) – e.g.
ICTs
(c) Innovative capacity
� Strengthened Innovation
Capacity
� Growing commercialisation of
research-based products and
services
(d) Human Resource capacity
� Growing pool of skilled
personnel
25
quality standards
� Technology forecasting
exercises
� Technology transfer
and diffusion
programmes
� Improvement of ICT
infrastructure and digital
inclusion.
(c) Innovative capacity
� Increase availability of
funding for innovative
activities (Innovation
Fund, National
Research Fund, etc.)
� Enforcement of IPRs
legislation
� Sectoral committees
and platforms to drive
innovation at sectoral
level
� Increased demand/
needs driven
innovations
(d) Human Resource
capacity
� Promote RSTI skills at
ROCIP
BOCCIM,
NHRDC,
VISION
2016

Implementation Plan 2012
Compassionate,
just and caring
nation
businesses
(3) Improvement
of basic
needs
� Employment
rates
� Improved
health
services/ HIV
treatment
� Access to
clean water
and sanitation
(e) Institutional
capacity
(f) Networki
ng/colla
boration
capacity
� Increasing mobilization of
technical skills
(e) Institutional capacity
� Growing commitment to RSTI
at the highest level of policy
� Increased coordination of RSTI
activities across sectors
� Improved funding for RSTI
activities
(f) Networking/ Collaboration
capacity
� Greater synergy of goals and
RSTI activities amongst
26
early stages of
education (curricula
review, training, etc.)
� Improve professional
RSTI training in
collaboration with
private sector
� Institutional HR
attraction & retention
strategies
� Promote equitable
participation of youth,
gender and vulnerable
groups in RSTI
(e) Institutional capacity
� Establishment of RSTI
advisory and
coordination institutional
bodies
� Establishment of RSTI
funding body
� Establishment of
monitoring and
evaluation mechanisms
� Approved budgets for
RSTI
(f) Networking capacity
NHRDC,
TEC,
MIST,
MOESD,
UB ,
BIUST,
Limkokwin
g
MIST ,
Cabinet,
Parliament

Implementation Plan 2012
� Poverty
reduction
(4) Social
inclusion
� Gender
equality in
RSTI
� Inclusion of
youth and
vulnerable
groups in RSTI
activities
(g) Knowledge
Base
capacity
stakeholders (Stronger NSI)
� Growing participation of
industry in establishing or
supporting research programs
� Growing participation of civil
society in shaping RSTI
activities and priorities
� Growing collaboration, trust
and unity of stakeholders
(g) Knowledge Base capacity
� Growing pool knowledge for
RSTI
Mainstreaming indigenous
knowledge into formal R&D
27
� RSTI collaborative
programmes between
universities, SET
institutions, industry
&civil society platforms
� Inter-ministerial
programs for RSTI
� Establishment of
Communication strategy
for RSTI
� Promotion of
international and
regional RSTI
cooperation
(g) Knowledge Base
capacity
� Database on RSTI
performance indicators
� Documentation and
regulation of Indigenous
Knowledge Systems
� Promotion of
intergenerational,
interdisciplinary and
cross-sectoral
knowledge.
UB,
BIUST,
BOCCIM,
NGOs,
HLCC
MIST,
UNESCO,
NEPAD,
CESRIK,
Civil
society
associatio
ns, NGOs

Implementation Plan 2012
CHAPTER 3: INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE
This implementation plan includes the proposal for an implementation governance structure for Botswana’s RSTI Policy. The
proposed structure encompasses new organisations and their operational guidelines. This chapter reviews the concept of national
system of innovation (NSI) and presents the organisational structure envisaged by the National Policy on RSTI to facilitate the
establishment and development of an effective NSI in Botswana.
3.1. National system of innovation
Nowadays it is widely accepted that innovation occurs within a system. Innovation is not merely an individual act by a firm or an
entrepreneur, but is situated within a larger system that both enables and draws on the innovative process. Some of the critical
resources for innovation are knowledge (scientific and non-scientific), human resources, funding and regulations. An innovation
system is thus comprised of organizations that innovate, organizations that generate resources for innovation, and the linkages
between these organizations.
Key organisations within an innovation system include firms, research institutes, universities, financial institutions and policymaking
agencies. The linkages are the interactions that occur within and across organisations and institutions. These are
knowledge-centred interactions based on underlying tension of collaboration and competition among actors. They influence the
nature and degree of knowledge flows through innovation systems and in so doing shape specific trajectories of specialisation and
learning (Kraemer-Mbula and Wamae, 2010). We expect to find these organisations in practically all economies – e.g. universities,
research institutes, financial institutions, standard setting bodies, and so on. However, how they interact with each other and,
finally, how efficient they become as “innovator actors” heavily depend on the historical background, the general configuration and
the dynamism of the innovation system in which they are inserted.
An innovation system has been formally defined as "that set of distinct institutions which jointly and individually contributes to the
development or diffusion of new technologies and which provides a framework within which Governments form and implement
policies to influence the innovation process. As such it is a system of interconnected institutions to create, store and transfer the
knowledge and skills and artefacts which define new technologies" (Metcalfe, 1995).
Innovation systems exist virtually everywhere. However, in developing countries they tend to be fragmented, passive and outdated.
Nonetheless, innovation systems are not static; they can evolve over time in response to deliberate efforts and variations in
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Implementation Plan 2012
the social, economic and political environment (Kraemer-Mbula and Wamae, 2010). The transformation of these often weak and
fragmented innovation systems is a major challenge for developing countries due to the absence of key organisations and sporadic
or non-existent interactions among them even where they exist. The performance of an innovation system will depend on effective
communication and interaction between people in organisations with different skills and knowledge and also on the existence of a
coordination structure that facilitates communication and interactions. The complexity of linkages in a mature national system of
innovation is summarized in diagram below.
.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Source: Adapted from Arnold and Bell (2001)
The literature on innovation systems recognises that the more innovative the countries are the higher their productivity and incomes
and are also better able to deal with social challenges. Botswana is preoccupied with major issues related to diversification,
unemployment, poverty; water and health require coordination of domestic policies in various dimensions. In addition, there is
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Implementation Plan 2012
increasing pressure to adhere to international regulations on global issues such as environmental degradation, climate change and
international trade rules. Insights from the innovation systems framework have to be adapted to the local context in order to
broaden and deepen the RSTI capabilities necessary to resolve these local problems.
Although National System of Innovation is a policy subject it does not necessarily mean that the whole shape of the system can be
purposefully designed. However, it requires deliberate policy management towards its effective change and implementation.
Currently, the Department of Research, Science and Technology (DRST) is one of the three departments within the Ministry of
Infrastructure, Science and Technology (MIST), together with the Department of Radiation Protection Inspectorate and the
Department of Building and Engineering Services. The mandate of DRST is to provide leadership in science and technology in
Botswana through the provision of an enabling policy and legislation environment and coordination of science and technology
activities in the country. With an average budget of approximately P6 million and core staff complement of 6, the present structure
indicates that the size of the mandate hardly matches the size and institutional location of the department.
Figure 2: Current coordination of RSTI in Botswana
Department of
Radiation
Protection
Inspectorate
Technology
Ministry of Infrastructure,
Science and Technology (MIST)
Department of
Research,
Science and
Technology
(DRST)
Department of
Building and
Engineering
Services
The effective development of Botswana’s Innovation System will require a multi-institutional structure designed to facilitate the
provision of advice to government as well as an operational arm to implement initiatives and policies. The structure must work
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Implementation Plan 2012
collaboratively across sectors and institutions, sharing functions related to information gathering, priority setting and facilitation of
funding.
The proposal made in the RSTI Policy entails:
1) The formation of a solid advisory framework, including the Botswana National Research Coordinating Council, Sector
Research Committees and Boards to provide advise at the highest level of policy and raise the profile of research, science and
technology policy-making in terms of the country's development priorities;
2) The establishment of a national coordinator of RSTI – the Directorate on Research Science and Technology. This mechanism
would promote activities and actions at a policy level as well as facilitate project funding, initiation and implementation;
3) An organisation for RSTI funding – National Research Fund
4) A leading RSTI performing institution – the Botswana Research Centre.
Raising the commitment of the Government to Science and Technology to the highest mandate possible would put Botswana in a
position of comparative advantage and allows focussing RSTI efforts on initiatives that impact at a national scale. Experience
indicates that the payback of creating such a comparative advantage is enormous. However, the success of such an organizational
structure heavily rests on its full operation and capacity of the devised entities to carry out decisions and live up to their mandate.
3.2. Institutional Structures for implementation
The effective implementation of the RSTI policy requires strong political commitment and leadership. Realigning and integrating
science and technology across all sectors call for the highest level of governance. The first important step in this direction is to
create the Botswana National Research, Development and Innovation Coordinating Council and the Directorate on Research,
Science and Technology. The establishment of these two bodies is crucial to enable the establishment and functioning of the rest of
the structures proposed in the RSTI policy. The proposed STI governance structure would therefore include:
Botswana National Research, Development and Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRCC),
Directorate on Research Science and Technology (DRST),
Sector Research Committees and Boards,
National Research Fund,
Botswana Research Centre
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Implementation Plan 2012
All these bodies are suggested in the RSTI policy. The role of the Botswana National Research, Development and Innovation
Coordinating Council (BNRCC) shall be to provide guidance at the highest level of government, while the Directorate on Research
Science and Technology would provide a mechanism for action with the highest possible mandate.
Sector Research Committees and Boards would address STI needs of productive sectors and ensure that science, technology and
innovation are mainstreamed across Line Ministries. The National Research Fund shall channel and provide financial support to
RSTI projects and the Botswana Research Centre will focus on the development of technologies to address the national priorities
and goals by conducting world-class research.
The current ad hoc, uncoordinated approach to RSTI activities has proved to have slow and limited impact on productivity growth
and economic diversification. The proposed institutional structure would provide coordination at the highest level of policy and
ensure accelerated and sustainable RSTI-based growth as well as a broader impact across all sectors of the economy. With this
structure in place, Botswana will be in a position to focus efforts on critical and important STI initiatives that have impact at a
national scale.
3.3. Action Plan for the establishment of institutional structures
3.3.1. Key actions and milestones
The implementation of the aforementioned institutions requires two critical ingredients; the high level political leadership and
serious commitment from key stakeholders. However, the setting up of such proactive institutional structure ought to be gradual.
Therefore, the action plan distinguishes between immediate, medium and longer term targets.
[a] Immediate targets 6 months to 1 year
The implementation of the RSTI policy requires the collective efforts of many stakeholders as RSTI cuts across the programmes
and activities of multiple players and sectors. Sustained coordinated efforts require a solid institutional structure that orchestrates
RSTI activities in such a way that resources are maximized and synergies are pursued and exploited. However, some of the
activities can readily be implemented without major changes in the institutional structure or investment, since they are embedded in
the programmes and plans of some of the key RSTI stakeholders (e.g. TEC, BOCCIM, UB, etc.).
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Implementation Plan 2012
Therefore, initial efforts should be targeted at those “low hanging fruits”, that is, RSTI activities that can contribute to the
implementation of the RSTI Policy before a coordinative institutional structure is operative.
[b] Short-term targets: 1 to 2 years
Following the approval of the policy by Cabinet, the formation of the institutional structures to coordinate and fund RSTI activities
across sectors and industries in Botswana would be needed. The main action required for the short-term is therefore, the
establishment and operational institutional capacity to coordinate and fund RSTI activities in Botswana.
The establishment of such structures would provide a platform for:
Fostering RSTI priority-setting
Improving collaboration and coordination of efforts among stakeholders
Improving efficient use of limited national resources
Allowing consolidated approach to achieve national development goals.
Additionally, the establishment and operations of the National Research Fund will provide access to funding opportunities and RSTI
information to a wide range of stakeholders. Its establishment would also enable the building of institutional memory to guide future
decision-making processes
.
The Botswana Research Centre will consolidate and integrate the currently fragmented activities of multiple RSTI performers, as
well as contribute to the on-going efforts in the development of human resources through the implementation of the National
Human Resource Strategy. Synergies in this area shall also be deliberately pursued.
[a] Medium-term targets: 2 to 5 years
Once the institutional capacity is in place, the focus would turn into enhancing monitoring tools, increasing RSTI awareness,
strengthening local and international linkages and generally expanding capacity in all strategic areas identified in the policy (RSTI
capacity, human resources capacity, institutional capacity, networking capacity and the knowledge base).
Public awareness of RSTI will be targeted at this stage, by emphasising the alignment of educational issues and greater
involvement of community-based organizations.
34

Implementation Plan 2012
At this stage, the National Research Funding (NFR) agency will be gaining greater autonomy, as well as the Botswana Research
Centre (BRC). The demand for new research and emerging partnerships will become more sophisticated calling for more advanced
services from the NRF and the BRC. Expanding and revising the services provided by the NRF and BRC to respond to new
demands will require additional recruitment and search for alternative financial sources
.
Midterm reviews will be done every 3 to 5 years to assess the achievements of the plan and whether goals are being realised.
Individual programmes will also be reviewed at time of implementation and will have their mid-term reviews if they are more than 2
years long
.
[b] Long-term targets: over 5 years
Long term goals should coincide with Vision 2016 main goals for the nation.
Create instruments to increase the higher end of RSTI development (post-graduate training, etc.)
Revision of RSTI policy - new legislation
Development of new funding institutions
Focus on international collaboration for technology development and high-tech exports
35

Implementation Plan 2012
Table7: RSTI Key actions and milestones
36

Implementation Plan 2012
CHAPTER 4: IMPLEMENTATION OF THE DETAILED POLICY AGENDA
Implementation of the detailed policy agenda will be coordinated and managed to ensure that objectives and their related
milestones are met in a timely manner. The programmes will support the achievement of several strategic objectives according to
the strategic areas mentioned above.
The RSTI Policy outlines 12 key areas of intervention but through wide consultation with stakeholders, specific programmes have
been drafted for consideration.
In line with the earlier timeline, activities and programmes have been identified differentiating between:
Immediate objectives (6 months to 1 year): this comprise programmes and activities that can be implemented without major
implications for structural changes or investment
Short term objectives, (1 to 2 years): this comprise programmes and activities that would require some basic changes in terms of
structural changes and investment.
Medium-term objectives: (2 to 5 years)
Long term: (5 years onwards)
37

Implementation Plan 2012
4.1 National Innovation System
This policy calls for a well-resourced and coordinated national system of innovation as a tool for economic growth. The NSI will be
a platform to engage all relevant stakeholders in the science and technology arena in a coordinated manner to drive innovation as a
catalyst for economic growth.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM NATIONAL SYSTEM OF INNOVATION
SUPPORTING POLICIES
& LEGISLATION
None existent (BIH Innovation Fund, Tertiary Education Innovation Strategy)
RSTI POLICY Well-resourced and coordinated national system of innovation as a tool for economic growth in place.
STATEMENTS
Platform to engage all relevant stakeholders in the science and technology arena in a coordinated
manner to drive innovation as a catalyst for economic growth created.
Diverse National System of Innovation to cover critical and strategic sectors of the economy developed.
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator challenges
Establish an institutional Approved Bills BNRCC Short: to initiate Well-resourced Fully operational Availability of
structure to coordinate and and Budgets PCRDI
Medium to and
coordination Funding
resource RSTI activities for structures Sector
Long: to coordinated and funding Human
across key players in for
Research operationalize NSI
structures Resource
Botswana
implementatio Committees
n
RSTI
points
focal
Directorate
RSTI
BRC
on
Funding Board
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUION OTHER
PLAYERS
Establish a National Coordinator of RSTI (Coordinating Agency) MIST Cabinet,
DPSM, AGC
38

Implementation Plan 2012
Coordinate National funding for RSTI activities MIST MFDP,
Private
Sector, Other
ministries,
development
Establish Sectoral Expert committees or platforms that oversee, manage and
guide sectoral technologies
39
partners
MIST BOCCIM,
Institutions of
Higher
Learning,
Research
Organization
s,
BOCONGO
Establish Focal Points in Line Ministries to coordinate RSTI activities MIST All Line
Establish high level advisory institutions: Botswana National Research, MIST
Ministries
Institutions of
Development and Innovation Coordinating Council and the Parliamentary
Higher
Committee on RSTI
Learning,
BOCCIM,
International
Partners,
Other
Ministries,
AGC
Strengthen and set up new leading RSTI performing institutions to deliver variety MIST
Institutions of
of RSTI products, services and systems
Higher
Learning,
Other
Ministries,
BOCCIM,
TEC

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 2 Output Output
Indicator
Strengthen collaboration in
RSTI amongst key
national players
(Government, private
sector, academia,
research institutions and
international partners)
Stronger
interaction
amongst
stakeholders
and shared
knowledge in
RSTI
Collaborative
RSTI activities
(e.g. joint
training,
innovation, etc.)
Joint
publications
Co-funding of
research
projects
(private/public
partnerships)
Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Indicator
Short Strengthened
National
System of
Innovation
40
Higher
technological
capabilities
Rate of
technology
transfer and
uptake
nationally
Critical
Challenges
No current
National
Research
Priorities
PROGRAMMES
COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Establishment of forums and mechanisms for joint definition and agreement on MIST BOCCIM,
priority research areas and performance targets.
HIE, R&D
Institutions,
BOCONGO,
BIH, Line
Ministries
Establishment of collaborative funding mechanisms. MIST HIE, Other
Ministries,
International
partners,
Funding
Agencies,
Private sector
Strengthen private sector collaboration with learning and teaching institutions to BOCCIM MIST, RTO,

Implementation Plan 2012
inform the curriculum development and facilitate skills exchange HIE,
MOESD
BIH,
Coordinate establishment and strengthening of technology transfer and diffusion MIST, BIH MTI, HIE,
centres
R&D
Objective 3
Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Institutions
Critical
Indicator
Indicator Challenges
Strengthen collaboration in
RSTI with international
players
Improved
international
RSTI
collaborations
Number of
international
partnership and
collaborations
Medium to long Link to
international
innovation
network
41
Technological
advance
International
publications and
patents
International
RSTI
partnerships
Emerging
markets for
Botswana’s
RSTI products
and services
Mismatch
between
national and
global
priorities
Lack of
National
Research
Fund
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Promote, renew and implement strategic international and multilateral MIST HIE, RTOs,
cooperation in S&T
MOFAIC,
Accede and participate in the African Regional Cooperative Agreement for
International
Research, Development and Training related to Nuclear Science and Technology
Partners,
(AFRA)
Line
Ministries
Join the African Academy of Sciences (UB) UB/BUIST HIE
Coordinate active implementation of the SADC Strategic Plan within the SADC MIST MWET,
Protocol on Science and Technology
MMEWA, UB
Coordinate the active participation in the Africa’s Science & Technology MIST HIE, MOFAIC
Consolidated Plan of Action Research & Development Programmes: Biodiversity, MIST MEWT,

Implementation Plan 2012
biotechnology & indigenous knowledge; energy water and desertification; material
sciences, manufacturing, laser & post-harvest technologies; ICT & space science
technologies; mathematical sciences
Enter into, implement new Memoranda of Understanding at country and
institutional levels
42
MOA,
MMEWA,
MTC,
MOESD
MIST Parastatals,
government
departments,
HIE Govern
Coordinate active in the NEPAD Flagship programmes (DRST) MIST MOA, MTC
Participate in the African STI Indicators initiative (AU) MIST MEWT,
4.2 Funding
The RSTI Policy advocates for a national investment of at least 2 per cent of gross domestic product on research and development
by 2016. It further calls for the development of funding mechanisms to promote participation in research, innovation and
technology development.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM FUNDING
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION Youth Development Fund (Dept. of Youth)
NDB
CEDA
Innovation Fund
RSTI POLICY STATEMENTS Investment of at least 2 percent of gross domestic product on research and
development by 2016
Development of funding mechanisms to promote participation in research
and technology development
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Output Indicator Critical
Increase available
funding for RSTI
Availability of
funds for RSTI
Indicator
Amount of
funds in the
Immediate/Shortterm
(initiation)
Improvement of
RSTI capacity &
New research
centres
Challenges
Bureaucratic
process

Implementation Plan 2012
activities NRF
Long term
funding for
designated
Centres of
Competence/E
xcellence in
Universities
and Research
Institutes
(including
BRC)
43
performance in
various areas
Postgraduate
research students
Capital spending
on research
equipment.
Research
publications and
patents
Gross
expenditure on
R&D (GERD)
Lack of
incentives for
private sector
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Establish and operationalize a National Research Funding Body/Agency MIST MFDP, NDB,
RTOs,
MOESD,
BOCCIM,
HIE,
Establish and operationalize an Innovation Fund BIH
International
partners
MIST,
BOCCIM. TEC,
International
Partners,
BITC
HIE,
Objective 2 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Introduce National
Finance Generating
Schemes to support
publicly funded
R&D
Increased
funding for
R&D
Indicator
Number of
income
generating
schemes in
place
Medium to long Increased scope
in areas of
research and
development
Indicator
Number of
projects used to
target specific
research areas
(strategic and
Challenges
Bureaucratic
processes

Implementation Plan 2012
priority areas)
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
Source funding for targeted relevant (high priority and/or urgent) specific
research (e.g. tobacco levy, pollution levy etc.)
44
PLAYERS
MIST Financial
Institutions,
Ministries,
BOCCIM,
Cabinet
MIST MOFAIC, HIE,
Promote strategic partnerships and collaborative multi-sectoral funding
programmes for research, development and innovation
MEWT,
Develop and implement programmes for funding cooperatives for MTI MIST,
participation by private, public, individuals, corporation, individuals to
purchase research (ad-hoc arrangements)
BOCCIM,
Objective 3 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator Challenges
Facilitate
Improved Number of Medium to long Research that is National and Mismatch in
international international partnerships
nationally and International research
collaboration to research and
internationally publications and priorities
improve access to collaborations collaborations
relevant patents
between
new funding
with new
partners (Local
opportunities for
funding
and
national
International)
researchers
innovators
and
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Promote strategic partnerships with international research partners MIST MOFAIC,
International
Partners, HIE,
Other
Ministries,
BITC, BOCCIM,

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 4 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome
BOCONGO
Critical
Indicator Challenges
Operationalize Increased Number of research Medium to Improved quality of Percentage Funding
targeted specific research chairs established. long locally derived increase in locally Bureaucratic
funding
trainees, Increased number
products, services produced
processes in
programmes (e.g. research of students in
and technologies research products policy process
fund for Research professors, training
Grants, National research Significant
Framework for projects endowment fund
Endowments for and money available
Research)
endowmen and supporting
t money for research
research Growth in research
outputs
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUION OTHER
PLAYERS
Operationalize a cluster and Technology Acquisition Fund (to also LEA CEDA, Venture
cater for incubation of innovation products, systems & services)
Capital
Establish fund for research chairs in Universities and research
institutions (to lead centres of competence/excellence)
UB TEC, MIST
Establish Postgraduate Bursary Fund (competitive bursaries and MOESD MIST, HIE, Private
support for research projects at postgraduate level)
Sector,
HRDAC
RTOs,
45

Implementation Plan 2012
4.3 Private sector
The Policy promotes private sector active participation in research and technology development by providing incentives for such
participation.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM
46
PRIVATE SECTOR
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION Privatisation Policy
Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Policy
Food Control Act
IPR Act
Trade & Liquor Act
Public Health Act
Economic
Policy
diversification Drive
Public Procurement and Asset
Disposal Act
Competition Authority
POLICY STATEMENTS Promote private sector active
participation in research and
technology development by
providing incentives for such
participation
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output
Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Stimulate private
sector participation
in R&D activities
Increased
number of
private
companies
participating in
Indicator
Business
enterprises with
a dedicated
percentage of
their budget to
Medium Increased
investment in
R&D activities
by the private
sector
Indicator
Business
Expenditure on
R&D (BERD)
Gross
Expenditure in
Challenges
Strengthening
capacity of key
institutions (e.g.
BOCCIM)
Inadequate

Implementation Plan 2012
and funding
research
activities
R&D activities
New or
significantly
improved goods
or services
and/or
production
processes
Increasing
collaborative
arrangements in
R&D activities
including private
sector
enterprises
47
Availability of
new and
improved goods
and services in
the market
Increased
productivity of
the private
sector
R&D (GERD) human resources
in Science,
Technology and
Innovation at
leadership
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Development of Fiscal incentives for private investment in R&D MTI Ministry of
Finance,
BOCCIM, RTOs,
Academic
Institutions, BITF,
Statistics
Facilitate development of infrastructure and facilities to promote research
by the Private Sector (e.g. Industrial Hubs)
Botswana
MIST MTI, Private
Sector, HIE,
Statistics
Botswana, BIH
Popularisation of RSTI activities in the business sector MIST Private Sector,
International
Partners,
Financial

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 2 Output Output
Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Institutions,
Other Ministries
Critical
Indicator
Indicator Challenges
Increase
Growing sales Percentages of Medium to Increased global World
Penetrating the
commercialisation of obtained from sales from Long competitiveness Economic market (Local
R&D and innovative innovative innovative
in the S&T field Forum rating of and International)
products and products and products and
Botswana Lack of
services
services services
protection
local
of
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION
produce/products
OTHER
PLAYERS
Support and strengthen innovation programmes – Management support, MTI MIST, BIH, LEA,
mentorship to SMEs
CEDA, BOCCIM,
CA, Financial
Support innovation through establishment of legislation and policies on the MTI
Institutions, HIE,
Other Ministries,
BITC
MIST, MOFAIC,
home-grown technologies
BOCONGO,
AGC, BOCCIM,
HIE, Other
Create/build local innovation recognition schemes to motivate local EDD
Ministries
MIST, MoA,
innovative activities
MOESD, BIE
48

Implementation Plan 2012
4.4 Demand-Driven RSTI
The Policy envisages the national research agenda to be driven by social, economic, environmental, business and commercial
challenges and opportunities according to the national priorities. It also calls for strong research collaboration amongst the public,
private sectors, research institutions, academia and civil society.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM DEMAND-DRIVEN RSTI
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION Building Control Act
Town & Country Planning Act 11 (1977)
National Policy on Housing (2000)
National Water Master Plan (NWMP)
Lands Area Water Supply Programme (LAWS)
NDP 10
Mines and Minerals Act of 1999
Water Act of 1968
Industrial Property Act
Standards Act
POLICY STATEMENTS The research agenda driven by social,
economic, environment and
business/commercial challenges and
opportunities according to the national priorities.
Strong research, science, technology and
innovation collaboration amongst the public,
private sectors, research institutions academia
and civil society.
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Strengthen participation of
end-user on priority setting
research and technology
Increased
participation of
research and
Indicator
Annual
publication of
priority research
Short Economic
diversification
49
Indicator
Percent of
GDP derived
from other
Challenges
Researchers
priority
setting

Implementation Plan 2012
agendas technology
consumers and
end-users in
priority setting
areas sectors other
than mining
and tourism
50
detached
from end
users
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Facilitation of forums and mechanisms for collective identification of research MIST BOCONGO,
priority areas (Private Sector, Community, Researchers, Academia etc)
HIE, Other
Ministries,
RTOs,
Financial
Institutions,
Private
Sector, LEA
Build capacity of all Batswana to drive continuous technology development and MIST, MOESD BIE, Private
innovation by demanding services and products, indicating and investigative,
Sector and
inquisitive, innovative and productive culture
Parastatal,
Financial
Institutions,
RTOs, HIE,
Engineers
Registration
Board, BIH,
Objective 2 Output Output Indictor Timeframe Outcome Outcome
MLG, LEA
Critical
Indicator challenges
Promote locally derived Increased Improved Medium Stimulated Emerging/new Lack of
technologies and awareness of consumption of
local research markets for acceptance/a
research-based products local products locally produced
and innovation local RSTI- ppreciation of
and services
and services RSTI-based
Technological based local

Implementation Plan 2012
Improve
perception of
locally
developed
products and
services
products advance products and
services
Number of
locally
produced
RSTI-based
products being
marketed
outside
Botswana
51
produce/prod
ucts
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Promotion of new technologies through training of relevant users (e.g. farmers, EDD MIST, MOA,
youth, women, consumer groups, etc.)
BOCCIM,
HIE, Other
Establish and support consumer groups to build capacity of the public, civil and MTI
Ministries,
BOCONGO,
BOBs, LEA
MIST,
private sector to drive innovation by demanding need specific technologies
BOCCIM,
LEA, CEDA,
Research
Institutions,
HIE,
4.5 Human capital development and human capacity building
The Policy envisages the development of a sustainable supply of a critical mass of highly skilled human resource in scientific and
technology fields in order to accelerate the transformation of Botswana into a knowledge society. The policy further supports strong
university-industry research collaboration, especially in training and sustaining the formation of S&T skills. Ultimately the aspiration
is to create knowledge based jobs by 2025 in order to contribute significantly to the employment levels.

Implementation Plan 2012
POLICY AGENDA ITME HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT AND HUMAN CAPACITY
BUILDING
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION Training and localisation Policy
Tertiary Education Policy
Revised National Policy on Education
National Human Resource Strategy (2009)
POLICY STATEMENT A sustainable supply of the critical mass of highly skilled
human resource in scientific and technology fields developed
to accelerate the transformation of Botswana into a
knowledgeable society
Strong university-industry research collaboration
By 2025 knowledge-based jobs created to contribute
significantly to the employment levels.
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical
Strengthen
curriculum in
science and
technology to
harness RSTI
aptitude
Improved basic
skills in science,
mathematics and
technology
subjects
Indicator
Revised pre,
primary and
secondary
curriculum
Growing
number of
students
enrolled in S&T
based subjects
in primary and
secondary
school
Medium to
long
52
Growing interest
and
understanding of
mathematics and
science by
students
Increasing uptake
of science,
mathematics and
technology
careers
Students’
performance in
mathematics and
science in pre,
primary and
secondary school
Decrease of school
dropouts
Science, Engineering
and Technology
graduates
(total/males/female)
Challenges
Lack of
equipment for
teaching of
science and
technology
Perception that
science is difficult
Perception that
there are no
remunerations
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Identify, nurture and harness RSTI aptitude and talent at an early stage MIST TEC, BOTA, HIE,
TT&D, NHRDAC,

Implementation Plan 2012
Develop and strengthen support mechanisms for enhanced participation
of schools in science technology and innovation
MOESD
MOESD
TEC, HIE, MIST,
Develop and Support implementation of Science and mathematics
curriculum from pre-primary school level
MOESD MIST
Continual review and implementation of education and training policies, MOESD All ministries,
curricula and strategies that support provision of accessible, equitable
HIE, BOCCIM,
and high quality education to create a good foundation for an educated
RTOs, LEA,
and informed labour force
CEDA
Object 2 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical
Indicator
Challenges
Strengthen Improved Number of Medium to Improved interest Students’
Teaching of
teacher training delivery of the teachers long
and
performance in maths mathematics
for mathematics, mathematics, specifically
understanding of and science in pre, science and
science & science and trained for
mathematics & primary & secondary technology limited
technology technology mathematics,
science by school
in application
curriculum at science &
students
Decrease of school Teaching of
primary and technology
Increasing uptake dropouts.
mathematics and
secondary
of science, Science Engineering science
schools
mathematics & & Technology (pedagogy)
technology graduates
careers
(total/males/female)
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Introduce mathematics science and technology in-service support DTT&D BOCCIM, TEC,
programs for teacher development
DRST, HRDAC,
UB, BIUST, Dept.
of Curriculum
Development
Strengthen teacher training of science and mathematics curricula TT&D MOESD, MIST,
MTI, HIE,
International
53

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 3 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator
partners
Critical
Indicator
Challenges
Strengthen RSTI Review of Number of Immediate to Increased pool of Number of R&D Inadequate
training in Curricula in technicians long
technicians to personnel in FTE human and
vocational and vocational graduating
support research (full-time equivalent) physical
technical cadres institutions from technical
and innovation
infrastructure
colleges
activities
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Strengthen the curricula for technical and vocational institutions in order DVET HIE, MOESD,
to create a strong base of the technical cadre in the country
RTOs, BOTA,
MTTC,
DRST
CITF,
Objective 4 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical
Indicator
Challenges
Promote RSTI Growing pool of Number of Medium to Increased Number of R&D Limited job
training at tertiary graduates on tertiary long
number of personnel in FTE market for RSTI
level
science,
graduates in
Batswana in S&T (full-time equivalent) graduates
engineering and science and
based jobs
technology fields technology
fields
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Strengthen research capacity for students in tertiary and vocational MOESD MIST, TEC,
institutions
BOCCIM,
HRDAC,
RTO, DVET
HIE,
Promote tertiary industry links- internships UB, BIUST MOESD,
MTI, HIE
MIST,
54

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 5 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical
Indicator
Challenges
Create, sustain Well trained Number of Medium to Human resources Number of graduates Inadequate soft
and retain critical professional in R&D personnel long
development to employed in and hard
mass of well- relevant STI in FTE (full-
drive the knowledge-based infrastructure
trained scientists, increased time
knowledge jobs
Relevant job
researchers and
equivalent)
economy
market
technicians
Remunerations
capable of
conducting firstclass
research
and training
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Develop and implement institutional HR attraction and retention HRDAC RTOs, line
strategies to strengthen human resource base e.g. improved conditions
Ministries,
of service; attractive remuneration packages, etc.
MIST,HIE
Revise and implement RSTI HCD Plan HRDAC Line Ministries,
BOTA, MOESD,
NHRC, BOCCIM,
MOESD,
MIST
HIE,
Establish public private partnerships for the development of highly BIH MTI, BOCCIM,
skilled researchers and technology managers
line
HIE
Ministries,
Objective 6 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical
Indicator
Challenges
Increase Improved Collaborative Short Human resources Number of graduates Disjointed or
collaborative collaboration arrangements
development to employed in weak
arrangements of between industry between
drive the knowledge-based collaboration
universities (with and universities private sector
knowledge jobs
between
private sector,
and tertiary
economy
institutions
55

Implementation Plan 2012
with other
universitiesinternational
and
national)
education
programmes in
RSTI
56
Percentage of high
skills in labour force
composition
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Introduce compulsory student’s attachment/internship programmes as BOCCIM DRST, IHL, BCA,
partial fulfilment for attainment of university degrees, technical diplomas
BOTA, TEC,
and vocational certificates
MLHA and
institutions of
higher learning
Infuse entrepreneurship activities in the curriculum at the tertiary LEA MOESD, RTO,
education level
HIE,
sector
Private
Enhance/recognise the student experts in science and technology fields MIST MOESD, HIE,
work for specific periods with SMME companies i.e. targeted internship.
RTO, Private
sector,
Ministries
Line
Avail opportunities for exchange and attachment/internship programmes MLH Line Ministries,
and award scholarships.
private sector
Develop the annual mathematics and science, and the design and MOESD MIST, HIE,
technology awards by introducing meaningful incentives and prizes (to
include scholarships), following up the students’ performance to nurture
the talent
Private sector,

Implementation Plan 2012
4.6 Building a culture of research and innovation
The RSTI policy promotes an informed society that has research, science, technology and innovation as its way of life
POLICY AGENDA ITME BUILDING A CULTURE OF RESEARCH AND
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION
INNOVATION
Food Security Policy
Bio Security and bio diversification Act
Education Policies
POLICY STATEMENTS
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
An informed society that has research, science,
technology and innovation as a way of life.
Objective 1 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Identify and
nurture talent in
RSTI in society
Increased
opportunities to
show case talent in
RSTI
Number of
innovators and
inventors identified
Short Infusion of an
inquisitive and
innovative culture
in society
57
Indicator
Science,
Engineering and
Technology
graduates
(total/male/female
)
Number of
inventions and
innovations taken
up for commercial
and social use
Challenges
Lack of talent
support in
science
technology and
innovation
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Promote talent enhancing and support programmes in science technology MIST BOTEC, TEC,
and innovation the National Design for Development Awards and nurture the
MOESD,
talent – focus on socio-economic impact
BOCCIM,
Universities,

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 2 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome
RIPCO
Critical
Indicator Challenges
Popularisation of Raised awareness National RSTI Short Increased level of Increased Limited relevant
RSTI across and understanding Communication
appreciation and participation of tangible local
society
of science and Strategy
understanding of communities and S&T products
(community – technology issues
RSTI
private business and services
urban and rural, in development
Articulation and RSTI initiatives
academia, private Enhanced general
application of Growing
sector etc.) interest in studying
RSTI in general reference to RSTI
science and
discussions in policy
choosing science
discourses
and technology
based careers
Increased
stakeholder
participation in
RSTI planning and
performance
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Establish initiatives aimed at demystifying S&T theories to build public MIST HIE, MOESD,
confidence and encourage participation
RTOs, Media
Houses,
International
Partners
Promote the establishment of RSTI business enterprises MTI HIE, MOESD,
RTOs, Media
Promote interactive learning in science, technology and innovation in MOESD
Houses,
International
Partners
HIEs, MOESD,
58

Implementation Plan 2012
primary, secondary and tertiary education, pre - school Private Sector,
MTI,
International
Partner
Create platforms for dialogue on national and international RSTI issues MIST HIEs, MOESD,
Private Sector,
MTI,
International
Partner
4.7 Safety, Ethics and National Quality Standards
Through the RSTI Policy, globally competitive home grown environmentally sustainable technology-derived products, systems and
services will be availed to the market. The policy also supports safe and expanded use of emerging technologies. Furthermore,
the policy calls for research which is guided by national priorities and ethical considerations.
POLICY AGENAD ITEM SAFETY ETHICS AND NATIONAL STANDARDS
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION BOBS Policy
Forestry Act of 1982
Tourism Act of 1992
Waste Management Act
Herbage Preservation Act, 1977
Agricultural Resources Conservation Act, 1974
Strategy for Waste Management Policy of 2003
Agricultural Resources (Conservation) Act of 1973
Aquatic Weeds (Control ) of 1971
Atmospheric Pollution (Prevention) of 1971
Environmental Impact Assessment Act of 2005
Mines and Minerals of 1977
Mines, Quarries, Works and Machinery of 1978)
Waste Management Act of 1999
59

Implementation Plan 2012
POLICY STATEMENTS
Revision of Acts and Policies (listed ones are out-dated) –
Custodian-concerned Ministries
Globally competitive home grown environmentally sustainable
technology-derived products, systems and services available to
the market
Safe and expanded use of emerging technologies
Research guided by national priorities and ethical considerations
conducted
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical Challenges
Develop and
promote
national and
international
conformity
assessment;
and
accreditation of
laboratories
and research
facilities
Adherence to
set quality
standards of
research
products and
services
Indicator
Number of
accredited
laboratories
and research
facilities
Percentage of
companies that
comply with
quality
standards
Medium Improved quality of
research
Increased
commercialisation
of R&D
60
Number of
conforming products
derived from local
research
High accreditation
fees
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUION OTHER PLAYERS
Develop and implement accreditation standards for labs (engage BOBS RTO, HIE, other
consultants, task force, benchmarking)
ministries
Develop and implement registration of internationally acceptable BOBS RTO, HIE, other
and competitive standards for research products
ministries
Develop and implement standards to improve efficiency and
maintain high quality service delivery in research institutions
BOBS
Establish technology Quality Assurance Regulatory Structures BOBS HIE,
ministries,
parastatals
other

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 2 Output Output
Indicator
Increase public
awareness on
safety and
quality issues
Increased
awareness
and
appreciation of
safety and
quality issues
Number of
awareness
programmes on
safety and
quality issues
relating to
research,
development
and innovation
RTO, HIE,
other
ministries
Short to
Medium
61
Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical Challenges
Growing demand for
high quality
products and
services
Commercialisation
of locally derived
research products
and services in
Botswana
Lack of Awareness
on safety and
quality of products
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER PLAYERS
Develop programmes on safety and quality standards in research
institutions
Promote forums for sharing and discussing research results and
RSTI products and services with the public, industry and other key
players
Objective 3 Output Output
Promote high
standards of
ethical
awareness and
behaviour of
national
researchers
Ethical
research
taking place in
Botswana
Indicator
Compliance to
Research and
Development
Act and Code
of Ethics
BOBS NGOs, RTOs,
Academic,
DWMPC, Media
HIE RTO, MEDIA, NGO,
BOCCIM
Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical Challenges
Improved quality of
research
Increased
commercialisation
of R&D
Increased demand
for locally developed
RSTI-based
products and
services
Exports of researchbased
products and
services
Lack of attention
and adherence to
research ethics

Implementation Plan 2012
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER PLAYERS
Develop and implement a Research and Development Act,
Regulations and Code of Ethics that will guide the ethical aspects of
national research
MIST BOBS, HIE, MWET
Monitor and ensure that research processes and output uphold and
adhere to ethical standards and procedures
MIST BOBS, HIE, MWET
Establish a clearing house to collect approved research proposals MIST BOBS, MOESD,
for future reference and to facilitate amicable research dispute
HIE, RTO, Private
settlements.
sector, International
partners
4.8 Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS)
The Policy emphasizes the need for IKS to inform modern science, sustainable technology development and innovation.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS
SUPPORTING POLICIES &
LEGISLATION
62
National Policy on Culture (2002)
National Policy on Museum (1968)
Botswana Tourism Policy (1990)
Traditional Healers’ Association Policy
Forestry Act of 1982
Tourism Act of 1992
Herbage Preservation Act 1977
Forest Act, 1968
Agricultural Resources Conservation Act, 1974
Community Based Natural Resource Management
Policy of 2007
National Resource Management Strategy
Agricultural Resources (Conservation) Act of 1973
Aquatic Weeds (Control) of 1971
Wildlife conservation and National Parks Act (1992)

Implementation Plan 2012
POLICY STATEMENTS Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) to inform modern
science, sustainable technology development and
innovation
Objective 1 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical Challenges
Create a national
policy framework
for the
recognition,
understanding,
protection and
promotion of
Botswana’s
wealth of
indigenous
knowledge
resources
Effective
management of
Indigenous
Knowledge
IKS Policy
document
IKS database
Short to
medium
63
Expand and
enrich
Botswana’s
knowledge
base and
sources of
innovation
Indicator
Innovation
indicators
Access to IK database
Ignorance. People who
possess the information
give it out to outsiders
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING
INSTITUTION
OTHER PLAYERS
Development of the IKS Policy MIST UB, CESRIKI, MOA,
Dikgosi, Dingaka
Development of a database on IKS (resources, practices, norms) UB, MIST
Association, NGO’s
DIT
Establishment of local/district level structures that deal and protect MYSC MIST, UB, Private
indigenous knowledge
sector
Establish protection mechanisms for IKS knowledge holders – IP protection MTI MIST, MYSC, HIE,
Objective 2 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Indicator
AGC, MOA
Critical Challenges
Create a research Collaboration of
Long National pride
A lot IK is secretive
hub for cultural scientists and IK
in heritage and
heritage and other holders in
culture;

Implementation Plan 2012
activities that will
enable intergenerational
knowledge
exchange
education,
research and
product
development
activities
64
enhanced
status and
recognition of
IKS
Improved
interactions
between
indigenous
communities
and scientific
community
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING
INSTITUION
OTHER PLAYERS
Develop culture based industries and integrate IKS with modern science in MYSC MIST, BOCCIM, HIE,
various fields – agricultural research, health sector, etc.
line ministries,
Formulate programmes to integrate IKS with modern science in order to
improve quality of indigenous products and services (export opportunities
for material)
MOESD
international partners
MIST, MYSC, HIE
Create forums for knowledge holders to share experiences with the view of MOESD MYSC, MIST, other line
developing IK to be used by all as simple
ministries, HIE
Forums including IKS experts, knowledge holders/practitioners, MIST/MYSC HIE, Private sector,
professionals, politicians, students, communities coming together to debate
issues around the protection and promotion of IK
international partners
Objective 3 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Indicator
Critical Challenges
Integration of IK Improved Number of youth Medium to long Increased use
Knowledge possessors
into the national appreciation of upholding IKS
of IKS
are unwilling to divulge
education, importance of values
technologies
information suspecting
research and IKS by youth
and solutions
that they could be
development
followed in the event of
systems
a fatality

Implementation Plan 2012
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING
INSTITUTION
OTHER PLAYERS
Integration of IKS in school curricula MOESD MIST, HIE, Private
sector,
partners
international
Re-introduction of initiation schools MYSC, MIST, AGC, MOESD,
MLH
Objective 4 Output Output Indicator Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Indicator
Critical Challenge
Increase public Awareness Number of forums, Medium to long Expand and Innovation Integration of IKS in the
awareness, raised on the events and
enrich
indicators mainstream economy
understanding importance of awards
Botswana’s
and appreciation IKS
Integration of
knowledge
of IKS
Indigenous
base and
Knowledge in the
sources of
RSTI
innovation
Communication
Growing
Strategy
demand for
local products
PROGRAMMES
and services
COORDINATING
INSTITUION
OTHER PLAYERS
National exhibitions to showcase products derived from indigenous MYSC MIST, MTI, MOA, HIE,
knowledge and technologies from various sectors
Private sector,
BOCOONGO, CBO
Recognition of IKS holders – local awards MYSC MIST, HIE, MOESD,
Private sector,
International partners
IK commemoration activities MIST/MYSC MIST, HIE, MOESD,
Private sector,
International partners
65

Implementation Plan 2012
Introduce and conduct one district one scheme to enrich the development
of indigenous technologies
Conduct district level awards for culture based research and development
industries
Develop and implement programmes to uplift and harness the uniqueness
and importance of Botswana’s indigenous and traditional knowledge
Stimulate IK interest in young generation, reaffirm its value and importance
to the creation of cultural/indigenous industries within Botswana
4.9 Supportive Legal Framework
66
MIST/MYSC MIST, HIE, MOESD,
Private sector,
International partners
MYSC MIST, MOESD, MOA,
BOCONGO, Private
Sector
MYSC MIST, HIE, MOESD,
Private sector,
International partners
MYSC MIST, HIE, MOESD,
Private sector,
International partners
The Policy wishes to see an enabling environment in place for accelerated national scientific and technological creativity and
innovation for economic development; where intellectual property rights are protected.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM
SUPPORTING POLICIES &
LEGISLATION
SUPPORTIVE LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Policy (2010)
Copyright and Neighbouring Rights Act,
Industrial Property Act
Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes, Maitlamo,
Consumer Protection
N.B: Labour and Immigration Laws, Institutional Policies
e.g. contracts.
POLICY STATEMENT An enabling environment in place for accelerated national
scientific and technical creativity and innovation for
economic development

Implementation Plan 2012
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Indicator Critical
Indicator
Challenges
Ensuring national Coherent policy
Medium to long Improved rating in No overarching
policy coherence environment
innovation (from the legal framework
and alignment conducive to
World Economic Forum) Funding
strategies guiding research
Improved Knowledge
the path towards a development and
Economy Index (KEI)
competitive and innovation
knowledge-based
economy
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Review legislation and broad set of policies that affect research, science,
technology and innovation directly and indirectly – including competition
policies, national development plan, education, export policies, etc. – to
ensure alignment and synergy with RSTI Policy
Develop innovation handbooks describing the process and procedures
involved in institutional innovation
67
MIST CA, MTI,
BOCCIM, Private
Sector
RTOs AGC, Line
ministries
Review and develop policies and legislation as necessary MIST Line ministries
Objective 2 Output Output
Indicator
Strengthen Support
Level of
legislation mechanisms for compliance with
governing RSTI R&D activities in policy and
activities
place
standards
Number of
institutional
policies
IP
Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Indicator
Medium to long Improved quality Number of locally
and international produced products
competitiveness being marketed
of local products outside Botswana
Number of locally
exported products
Critical
Challenges
Human Capacity
Funding

Implementation Plan 2012
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Develop an Intellectual Property Rights Policy MIST/MTI HIE, Other
ministries
Enforce quality standards on all RSTI products, goods and services BOBS Other ministries,
Ensure compliance with the Botswana Industrial Property Law in order to
foster creativity and innovation
68
HIE, RTOS
MTI MIST Other
ministries,
RTOS
HIE,
MTI MIST, HIE,
Develop and strengthen policies to increase the rate of uptake and
commercialisation of research output
RTO’s
Statutory establishment of institutional framework to coordinate RSTI MIST Other ministries,
activities
BOCCIM,
RTO
HIE,
Objective 3 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator
Challenges
Ensure adherence Level of Review of Short to medium Improved quality Number of locally Inability to
to regional and compliance with international
and international produced products penetrate market
international international laws laws and
competitiveness being marketed
regulations related and standards regulations
of local products outside Botswana
to RSTI
related to RSTI
Number of locally
exported products
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
International regulations on environmental standards MWET MOFAIC, HIE,
International regulations on safety and quality assurance (e.g. ISO norms) BOBS
Other ministries
MOFAIC, AGC
International agreements related to Intellectual Property Rights (e.g. WTO MTI
Agreement on Trade-Related IPRs (TRIPS), use of information and
communication technologies)
MOFAIC, AGC
Laws and regulations governing trade and technology transfer MTI MOFAIC, AGC
Search and promote international and bilateral agreements on S&T MIST MOFAIC, AGC

Implementation Plan 2012
4.10 Information and Communications Technologies
The Policy seeks to see efficient delivery of research outputs through effective use of information and communications
technologies. This calls for appropriate ICT infrastructure to be put in place to support research collaborations.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGIES
& COMMUNICATIONS
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION Maitlamo Policy (2005)
POLICY STATEMENTS
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
BTA Licensing & Regulating Policy (TBC)
National Policy on Education (TBC)
Communication Act (TBC)
Information Act (TBC)
Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes
Efficient delivery of research outputs through effective
use of information and communications technologies
Appropriate ICT infrastructure in place to support
research collaborations
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Increase ICT
application in
RSTI activities
Improved urban
and rural
penetration of
ICTs
Indicator
PC and internet
penetration
indicators
Medium Improved access to
information resulting
in increased
knowledge,
entrepreneurship,
technology
acquisition
69
Indicator
Number of
local ebusinesses
Increase
productivity of
SMEs
ICT supported
research and
education
Increased ecommerce
Challenges
Internet access
Infrastructure
Funding & HR
Electricity

Implementation Plan 2012
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Dissemination of information related to the application of ICTs in business MTC MIST, HIE,
(e.g. through incubators and other SMEs support programmes)
MOESD,
MMEWR
Increase awareness of the application of ICTs in research facilities and MTC MIST, HIE,
laboratories
MOESD,
MMEWR
Inclusion of information related to ICTs in the RSTI communication MTC MIST, HIE,
strategy
MOESD,
MMEWR
Use of ICTs to support pupils’ needs or research activities in primary and MTC MIST, HIE,
secondary schools
MOESD,
MMEWR
Use of ICTs to support vocational training programmes
MOESD MTC MIST,
Objective 2 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome
HIE, MOESD,
MMEWR
Critical
Indicator
Indicator Challenges
Support the Effective
Increased Medium Universal access to PC and Funding
implementation of implementation of connectivity
information
internet
the ICT Policy the ICT Policy in Improved ICT
High quality ICT penetration
(Maitlamo) Botswana infrastructure
infrastructure indicators
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Coordination of RSTI Policy programmes to Maitlamo’ s implementation
programmes
MIST MTC
Maintain ICT security and operational standards MTC HIE, Other
ministries,
Private sector,
AGC
70

Implementation Plan 2012
Developing and upgrading cyber-infrastructure to afford citizen universal
access to information and uptake of ICT (Government and private sector)
4.11 Gender, Youth and Vulnerable Groups
71
MTC Line ministries,
private sector,
PTO’s
In the RSTI Policy, equitable participation of men and women, youth and marginalised groups (including the physically challenged)
in scientific and technological fields is highly desirable and will be promoted.
POLICY AGENDA ITEM GENDER, YOUTH & VULNERABLE GROUPS
SUPPORTING POLICIES & LEGISLATION Children’s Act of 2009
National Youth Policy (1996)
National Policy on Destitute Persons
National Policy on Education
National Policy for Rural Development 2002
Gender Policy
Early Childhood Policy
Revised National Population Policy
National disability Strategy
Botswana National Disability Policy 2009
POLICY STATEMENTS Equitable participation of men and women, youth and
marginalised groups (including the physical
challenged) in scientific and technological fields).
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Develop and
implement
programmes
targeted to support
and promote the
Availability of
support
programmes
that cater for
women
Indicator
Number of
support
programmes for
women in RSTI
Short to medium Significant
number of
women in RSTI
fields
Indicator
Number of
women in
influential
positions in
RSTI
Challenges
National value
systems

Implementation Plan 2012
balanced gender
institutions
participation in
RSTI education,
RSTI employment
and RSTI policy
decision-making
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
Implement life-skills and self-awareness programmes aimed at increasing
the transition level of female students from secondary to tertiary education
level; and penetration and retention into management ranks
72
WAD include Botswana Council for
Disabled as the lead institution
PLAYERS
MLG, MYSC,
OP, MOESD,
Ditshwanelo,
MLHA, DY
Address gender inequalities in science and technology education at MOESD MIST, UB,
primary, secondary and tertiary levels
BIUST,
Implement support programmes to encourage women to take up RSTI MIST MOESD, other
based careers; removal of barriers to careers for women in science; and
Ministries, HIE,
ensure that internships, bursaries and training for post-graduate research
Private sector,
address gender equality
International
partners
Gender equity in the consideration of ethical issues in research activities MLH OP, Private
and application of science and technology to development
sector, HIE,
MIST, MOH
Collection of gender disaggregated RSTI statistics MFD (Statistics office) OP, Private
sector, HIE,
Improve conditions for recruitment, retention and advancement of women
in all fields of research
MLHA,
MIST, MOH
DPSM, MIST
Objective 2 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator Challenges
Develop and Availability of Number of Medium to long Significant Number of Funding
implement
support support
number of youth youth
programmes programmes programmes for
leading RSTI graduating at

Implementation Plan 2012
targeted to support
and promote the
participation of
youth in RSTI
education and
RSTI employment
which cater for
youth
youth in RSTI activities PhD level in
RSTI-based
training
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Youth empowerment in science and technology through incorporation of MOESD MLG, MYSC,
RSTI in the curriculum
OP, MOESD,
Ditshwanelo,
MLHA, WAD
Develop and implement programmes targeted to support and promote MTI MIST, Other
youth participation in research, development and innovation such as
training, empowering youth with right skills to run technology based
businesses and to conduct high quality research.
ministries
Promote, nurture and support talent development by establishment of MIST HIE, MLG,
community forums for cross-pollination of ideas, knowledge, skills in RSTI
across the whole spectrum of society
MYSC
Objective 3 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator Challenges
Implement RSTI Availability of Number of Medium to long Significant Number of Lack of facilities
support
support support
number of people with tailored for
programmes for programmes programmes for
people with disabilities disabled people
people with which cater for people with
disabilities in holding high
disabilities (add people with disabilities in
RSTI fields positions in
activities for disabilities RSTI
RSTI
marginalised
institutions
groups, activities
have been
duplicated)
73

Implementation Plan 2012
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Develop and implement programmes to empower the physically challenged MOESD HIE, OP, MLH,
to participate in RSTI (education and training)
MOH, MIST
Introduce user friendly facilities and equipment for easy access by the MIST BOBS, other
physically disabled to RSTI infrastructures (e.g. laboratories)
ministries, HIE,
Private sector
4.12 Technology Monitoring, Assessment and Forecasting
OBJECTIVES, PROPOSED PROGRAMS AND KEY STAKEHOLDERS
Objective 1 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator
Challenges
Coordinate Updated BNRST Criteria, Short Role clarity and Level of Inadequate
implementation Plan in line with standards for
effective
implementation of monitoring
RSTI Policy the RSTI assessing,
implementation of the RSTI Policy
Implementation Implementation monitoring and
RSTI Policy Implementation
Plan incorporating Plan
evaluating the
Enhance
Plan
the National
output so that
networking and
Research,
they can be
collaboration for
Science and
measured
benchmarking
Technology
RSTI performance
(BNRST) Plan of
2005
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Determine sectoral research gaps based on challenges, comparative & MIST BOCCIM,
competitive advantage
BOCONGO,
BOTEC,
BIUST,
Ministries,
line
74

Implementation Plan 2012
RIPCO, BIDPA,
BVI, NFTRC
Review the BNRST Plan MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
Conduct regular national and sector-specific research and technology
needs prioritisation
75
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
Profile researchers and research institutions in Botswana (DRST) MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
Develop and implement assessment and rating index for institutional
and RSTI capability in order to measure Botswana’s research and
innovation capability
Create sector forums and organise annual symposia to share ideas
(e.g. the existing Pharmacy Association)
Objective 2 Output Output
Indicator
Review of the Monitoring and Developed
RSTI
evaluation of the standards and
Implementation RSTI
criteria for M&E
Plan
implementation of RSTI
plan
programmes
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
Critical
Timeframe Outcome Outcome
Indicator
Medium to Improved Existence of an
long coordination of operational and
RSTI activities in efficient
Botswana institutional
Contribution of structure to
RSTI programmes coordinate RSTI
to national activities
development Improved socio-
goals
economic
development
indicators (skills,
employment,
economic
Challenges
Donor agencies
Government
funding
Tax holidays
Increased
private sector
funding
Grants
Fellowships
Increased
GEDP by 2% in
R&D

Implementation Plan 2012
diversification,
etc.)
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUION OTHER
PLAYERS
Evaluate impact of RSTI policy implementation every 5 years MIST Line Ministries,
NGOs, private
sector,
cooperating
partners and
intergovernmental
Develop and implement research quality and quantity self-assessment
and peer review tools for S&T institutions (DRST)
Submit biannual implementation progress and mainstreaming of R&D
reports to the BNRDICC through sector committees (Line Ministries)
Analyse the biannual progress reports on progress made and
mainstreaming R&D in sectoral development (DRST)
Conduct regular research and technology fore-sighting and forecasting
exercises at national level
Equip policy implementers with requisite skills to enable them to assess
the effectiveness of their implementation
Create a forum of Ministerial research units under Government to
harmonise research
76
organisations
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries

Implementation Plan 2012
Objective 3 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome Critical
Indicator
Indicator
Challenges
Conduct regular Technology Number of
Refined plan Number of Monitoring and
research and forecasting and institutions
Role clarity implemented evaluation
technology fore- fore-sighting which
More effective changes
lacking
sighting and reports produced conducted
implementation
forecasting Criteria, standards forecasting
exercises in RSTI for assessing, exercise
institutions monitoring and Number of
Protocol
evaluating the reports
arrangement on output so that they produced on
how institutions can be measured the foresight
can effectively
and forecast
collaborate
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
PLAYERS
Inform the management of the proposed innovation fund and research MIST HIE, RTOs,
capacity-building programmes in the higher education sector
ORI,
Objective 4 Output Output Timeframe Outcome Outcome
International
Partners
Critical
Indicator
Indicator
Challenges
Conduct regular Updated report on Identification of Short to Informed
Review and No up-to-date
national surveys of the state of RSTI gaps in S&T medium management and adjustment of information on
the state of in Botswana Identification of
review of RSTI RSTI funding and state of
research, science, Criteria, standards potential
funding and support
research on
technology and for assessing, solutions to
research capacity- programmes RSTI
innovation monitoring and identified gaps
building
Review and
evaluating the
programmes adjustment of
output so that they
RSTI performers’
can be measured
strategies
(universities,
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Implementation Plan 2012
research
institutes, etc.)
PROGRAMMES COORDINATING INSTITUTION OTHER
Develop international and regionally comparable RSTI performance
indicators (e.g. Frascati, Oslo Manuals, & ASTII)
Conduct biennial Audit of the National RSTI landscape (who is doing
what, when, where and how-including research and innovation
products, level of investment, HR infrastructure and facilities)
Develop and maintain an online database on RSTI to be updated
biannually by RTOs and institutions of higher learning in both private
and public sector
Develop and implement national research products depository
guidelines, with incentives, to guide researchers and innovators in
registering their products in the national system of innovation
78
PLAYERS
MIST RTOs, HIE,
private sector,
international
partners
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
MIST Private sector,
HIE, other
ministries
Create and maintain a depository for RTSI products MIST RTOs, HIE,
private sector,
international
Develop and maintain an online database on IKS to be updated
annually by knowledge holders (capturing attributes such as major IK
practices and stakeholders)
partners
MIST HIE,BOCONGO

Implementation Plan 2012
CHAPTER 5: PRELIMINARY BUDGET AND COSTS CONSIDERATIONS
The national Policy on RSTI highlights the current over-reliance on the state in R&D funding, and the importance of increasing
participation of the private sector. The envisioned structures and operationalization of the RSTI policy provides mechanisms to
encourage private-public partnerships for RSTI and attract private sector participation in new areas on R&D.
The national RSTI Policy envisages that both competitive and non-competitive funding should reach 2% of the GDP by 2016.
Based on the National RSTI Policy and the analysis in the Botswana National Research, Science and Technology Plan (2005), this
section suggests the following considerations:
Competitive and non-competitive government funding for R&D should increase to 2% of the GDP by 2016
The initial distribution of funds between the envisaged mechanisms shall be: 65% to the National Research Fund; 20% to the
Botswana Research Centre, and 10% to short-term research in Line Ministries. This estimation is based on the analysis provided in
the BNRST Plan (2005) and implies:
The implementation of the five Centres of Excellence will require about P20 million per centre in current 2011 prices.
The National Research Fund will comprise both competitive funding in priority research areas (earlier identified as Missionfocussed
areas) and non-competitive long term funding for Line Ministries.
There would be a progressive growth in competitive funding and private sector funding as proportion of the total R&D budget.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Figure 3: Recommended initial Allocation of Funds
20%
10%
80
65%
National Research Fund
Innovation Fund
Botswana Research
Centre
Short-term Line Ministries
Figure 4: Recommended Eventual Allocation of Funds
30%
10%
35%
National Research Fund
Innovation Fund
Botswana Research
Centre
Short-term Line Ministries
The national RSTI Policy commits to increasing GERD to 2 per cent by 2016. This commitment is in line with comparative countries
– SADC and AU have agreed on 1%. The estimated trajectory of the funding is summarised in table below:

Implementation Plan 2012
Table 8: Estimation of total government expenditure on R&D in current prices – million of Pula (2011 to 2016)
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016
National Research Fund
TBD
Innovation Fund TBD
Botswana Research
Centre
TBD
Short-term Line
Ministries TBD
Total GERD 508.5 917.4 1423.6 1990.4 2659.1
GDP 101,708 114,683 129,422 142,178 156,418
GERD 0.5% 0.8% 1.1% 1.4% 1.7% 2%
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Implementation Plan 2012
Cost implications of the implementation of structures might be summarized as follow:
Expected Action Expected costs
1 Establishment of the Botswana National Research, Development Staffing costs
and Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRDICC)
Secretariat costs
2 Establishment of the Parliamentary Committee on Research Staffing costs
Development and Innovation (PCRDI)
Secretariat costs
3 Establishment of the Directorate on Research Science and Staffing costs
Technology (DRST)
Secretariat costs
Staff training costs
Promotion and marketing; event organization, outreach
activities
4 Establishment of the National Research Fund (NRF) Staffing costs
Secretariat costs
Staff training costs
Initial funding from Government (X million Pula)
Eventually funding will be such that Government contribute
60% and 40% is sourced from partnerships
5 Establishment of the Botswana Research Centre (BRC) Staffing costs
Secretariat costs
Staff training costs
Initial funding from Parliament (X million Pula)
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Implementation Plan 2012
CHAPTER 6: MONITORING AND EVALUATION
Guidelines for measuring the implementation of the National RSTI Policy
– Strategic Priorities
Guidelines for measuring the implementation of the National RSTI Policy
– Institutional Structures
Guidelines for measuring national RSTI performance
Guidelines for measuring the performance of RSTI institutions
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Implementation Plan 2012
Table 9: Guidelines for measuring the implementation of the National RSTI Policy – Strategic Priorities
Science/ Research
capacity
Milestones Progress Indicators
National Research Agenda � BNRST (2005) Plan reviewed
Implemented
� Up to date Profile of national researchers
� Up to date profile of research institutions
� Annual National state of the Research Landscape Report
Technology
capacity
Improved ICT Infrastructure & Use
High quality scientific and
technological Infrastructure
Active private sector participation
in research
� Institutional ICT infrastructure development plans
� Feasibility Report on use of wireless technologies
� ICT Infrastructure Index
� Number of Centres of Excellence
� Research quality – citation analysis
� Existence of monetary & non-monetary incentives/ support
� Number of private sector companies participating in R&D
� BERD – Business expenditure on R&D
Increased funding for RSTI � Growth rate of GERD – towards 2% GERD by 2016
Increased innovation & creativity � Number of patents, utility models & industrial designs registered
output
� Royalties from IP protection
High quality, safe technologies, � No. of standards for research products developed
services, & research products � Number of laboratories accredited
� Number of products registered for quality control
� Research & Development Act
Technology transfer and diffusion No. of operative incubators
programmes
� No. of operative technology transfer centres
� Review and collection of up to date “Home grown” technologies
A vibrant and nurturing � No. of institutions complying to the IPR law
environment for entrepreneurship
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Implementation Plan 2012
Innovative capacity
Institutional
capacity
Human Resources
capacity
Increased demand/ needs driven
research output
Strengthened innovation capacity
Establishment of implementation
and coordination structures
Improved R&D coordination,
monitoring and evaluation
� % Client-driven R&D
� Number of research products, services & systems commercialised
� Number of R&D personnel
� Number of designers and engineers
� Botswana National Research Development and Innovation
Coordinating Council
� Parliamentary Committee on Research Development and Innovation
� Directorate on Research Science and Technology
� National Research Fund
� Botswana Research Centre to implement the RSTI policy
� No. of RSTI indicators developed and adopted
� RSTI policy and implementation plan review reports at 5 years and
2.5 years intervals respectively
Synergised legislation � Number of shared institutional structures/ Committees between
policies
Human capital development
strategy for RSTI Implemented
Entrepreneurial Skills and talent in
science and mathematics
developed
Institutional HR attraction &
retention strategies
� Curriculum for pre-primary school developed
� No. of citizens engaged in knowledge based jobs
� No. of people trained in RSTI fields
� No. of schools actively participating in Maths & science extra curricula
activities
� No. of S&T products developed by students taken up for use and
commercialisation
� No. of students supported to develop their talent in maths & science
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Implementation Plan 2012
Knowledge base
capacity
Networking capacity
Equitable participation of youth,
gender and vulnerable groups in
RSTI
RSTI Landscape defined
Indigenous knowledge Landscape
defined
RSTI clusters between
universities, SET institutions,
industry & public platforms
Improved communication and
dissemination of knowledge and
technologies
International and regional
research cooperation
� Percentage female participation in science engineering and
technology
� BL: -8%
� Establishment & agreement on set of performance indicators
� Up to date databases
� IKS Policy
� Number of programmes to integrate IK into modern science
� Number of knowledge sharing forums created
� Up to date IK database
� No. of multi-sectoral RSTI Cluster focal points and programmes
� Development of a communication strategy and plan for RSTI
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Implementation Plan 2012
Table 10: Indicators to measure the implementation of the National RSTI Policy
ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMING MILESTONES
Approval of the National RSTI Policy Parliament April 2011
Develop Bill for the establishment of Botswana
National Research, Development and
Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRDICC)
87
Official National RSTI
Policy
DRST (MIST) TBD Final Bill developed
Approve establishment of BNRDICC Parliament TBD
Develop Bill for the establishment of the
Parliamentary Committee on Research
Development and Innovation (PCRDI)
BNRDICC established
and operative
DRST (MIST) TBD Final Bill developed
Approve establishment of PCRDI Parliament TBD
Develop Bill for the establishment of the
Directorate on Research Science and
Technology (DRST)
Approve establishment of the Directorate on
Research Science and Technology (DRST)
Develop Bill for the establishment of the
PCRDI established and
operative
DRST (MIST) TBD Final Bill developed
Parliament TBD
DRST established and
operative
National Research Fund (NRF)
DRST TBD Final Bill developed
Develop criteria
evaluation
for research proposal
DRST TBD
Evaluation
developed
guidelines
NRF established and
Approve establishment of NRF Parliament TBD
operative,
allocated
budget
Appoint funding review panels BNRDICC TBD Panels appointed
Call for research funding proposals BNRDICC TBD
Call for
published
proposals
Develop Bill for the establishment of the
Botswana Research Centre (BRC)
BNRDICC TBD Final Bill developed

Implementation Plan 2012
Develop criteria for the selection of Centre of
Excellence
Call for proposal for the establishment of
Centres of Excellence
BNRDICC TBD
BNRDICC TBD
88
Detailed
developed
criteria
Call for proposals
published
Table 11: Guidelines for benchmarking performance of RSTI institutions (from BNRSTIP, 2005)
Performance indicator Units per year Type of Institution
HEI
Parastatal Private
(Universities
and CoEs, etc.)
RSTI org Sector
Peer reviewed publication equivalents Equivalent per researcher 1 0.5 0.1
Other publications (conference Number per researcher 2 2 2
papers, non
peer reviewed articles, internal
reports, etc.)
Registered Patents Million Pula R&D
expenditure per registered
patent
10 5 5
Licensed Patents Million Pula R&D
expenditure per licensed
patent
50 25 15
Royalty income Royalty income/total R&D
expenditure
2% 4% 5%
Return on investment New product profit/research
expenditure
n/a n/a 15%
Spin-Outs/ Spin-Offs Million Pula R&D
expenditure per spin out
50 25 10
Graduation of Qualified Persons Million Pula R&D
expenditure per PhD
2 25 50
Minimum contract research income % of total research
expenditure
20 40 10

Implementation Plan 2012
Appendix 1
Botswana National Research Development and Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRDICC)
TORs and operational guidelines
[a] Background
For research, science, technology and innovation to play a central role in national development, it is important to establish and
harmonise an effective institutional framework at various levels. It is proposed that a high-powered national coordinating council be
established to advise the President on RSTI issues.
The Botswana National Research Development and Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRDICC) shall provide an independent
perspective to transform Botswana into a competitive, knowledge-based society through harnessing science and technology.
BNRDICC will be entrusted with the responsibility of providing periodic expert advice on Botswana’s RSTI strategic priorities and
recommending a transformational strategy for the country. The BNRDICC shall also provide a directional and strategic guidance
during the implementation plan of the RSTI policy to ensure that recommendations are effectively executed at every level.
[b] Objective
The BNRDICC’s mandate would be to advise the President on national matters concerning research, science, technology and
innovation, thereby contributing to the achievement of the national objectives of Botswana, as set by Vision 2016 and the NDP 10.
The advice provided by BNRDICC shall focus on:
Co-ordination and stimulation of the National System of Innovation (NSI)
Promotion of co-operation within the NSI
Structuring, governance and co-ordination of the S&T system
Revision of the RSTI policy
Strategies for the promotion of all aspects of technological innovation
Identification of R&D priorities
Management of funding of the S&T system
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Implementation Plan 2012
[c] Functions
The main functions of the BNRDICC will be to:
Guide the national agenda on research, development and innovation and direct implementation of the RSTI Policy to ensure impact
and achievement of goals;
Identify national priorities for research and development based on the broad guidance;
Decide on the funding strategies required to adequately implement the research, development and innovation agenda;
Determine levels and patterns of national investment on research and development based on national priorities identified;
Monitor the implementation of funded research projects in the country and development of appropriate performance indicators;
Foster results orientation and alignment of efforts of the RSTI players in the national system of innovation toward national priorities;
Provide oversight over research institutions and research activities of academic institutions;
Receive and review periodic reports from academic and research institutions on their research activities;
Monitor the impact of implementation of the policy and assess its relevance to global trends with time;
Guide on smart partnerships between Government, business sector and the scientific community
[d] Composition and operational arrangement
Chairperson – Minister responsible for Science and Technology
Co-chair/ advisor – RSTI advisor to the Minister
Members – range of experts
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Sub-committees
Secretariat
Chair and co-chair: The BNRDICC will be chaired by the Minister responsible for Science and Technology in Botswana and RSTI
Advisor to the Minister. The Chairperson, will preside over the Council and take ownership of the Council’s strategic plans. The cochair
shall assist the Chairperson in his role, coordinating the contributions from members and subcommittees, coordinating
oversight activities of Sub-committees and facilitating advice to the Chairperson on the selection of Council members as well as
other specific pressing issues. The co-Chair shall perform any of the functions of the Chairperson if the Chairperson, for whatever
reason, is unable to. The co-chair shall serve for a set period of 3 to 5 years. After that period a new co-chair shall be appointed by
the Chairperson, which could be chosen from the members.
Membership: The total membership of the Council will cover a range of expert advice including:
(1) Government Ministries – Permanent Secretaries of the Government Ministries with significant scientific and technological
functions; (2) distinguished scientists with responsibility on matters of science and technology; (3) private sector representatives,
(4) Senior Advisors to international development organizations, and
(5) House of Chiefs.
The members of the Council shall be appointed by the Chair and the co-chair. Members shall be distinguished experts and shall
have a broad understanding of national and international trends, events and developments in the area of science, technology and
innovation. The members of the Council shall have no executive or decision-making authority and will act in an advisory capacity.
Members report to the Chair and the co-chair individually or through the Sub-committees; and the Chair and co-chair can ask
directly for advice from the members. Appointed members shall serve a three-year term and may be re-appointed.
Sub-committees: shall be established in specific core areas to facilitate adequate fulfilment of the Council’s functions. Subcommittees
shall be formed in the following areas: (1) National RSTI priorities – The BNRDICC may request Line Ministries to
provide research procurement programmes based on the priority areas identified; (2) Funding and RSTI investment; (3) Policy and
legislation; (4) Monitoring and evaluation of RSTI.
The sub-committees shall consist of one or more members of the BNRDICC plus any additional experts, as deemed necessary and
the members may at any time dissolve or reconstitute sub-committees.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Secretariat: The Directorate on RSTI (explained below) shall be the Secretariat for the Council. The Secretariat shall assist the
Council in exercising its functions and shall provide other support as the Council may direct. The secretariat shall provide technical
and administrative support to the Council, and support it in its deliberations with background reports and policy analysis
.
[e] Operational arrangement
The Council shall hold quarterly meetings, but sub-committees shall meet throughout the year depending on requirements.
The Council should use an evidence-based methodology in producing advice for the Minister.
Work at sessions of the Council shall be organized in plenary meetings
Each sub-committee shall submit a progress report to the secretariat 2-3 weeks before the next meeting
At the beginning of each session, the Council shall present the status report
A report of the plenary meeting shall be agreed to at the end of each session of the Committee.
[f] Projected output
The Council will promote, fund, and make RSTI a top item on the agenda for every Line Ministry and other national key players. It
will provide a mechanism to ensure that the programmes and structures implemented under RSTI Policy are directly aligned to the
national development goals. The activities of the Council will advise Cabinet on the formation of components, and allocation of
budgets.
Directorate on Research Science and Technology (DRST)
TORs and operational guidelines
[a] Background
For its effective coordination and implementation, the National RSTI policy envisaged that the Directorate on Research Science and
Technology (DRST) should be established, by upgrading the status of the current Department of Research, Science and
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Implementation Plan 2012
Technology. The Directorate on Research Science and Technology (DRST) shall be established by statute and governed by its
own regulations to afford it the synoptic function and authority to carry out its mandate.
[b] Mandate
The Directorate on Research Science and Technology (DRST) shall be the executing arm of the Botswana National Research,
Development and Innovation Coordinating Council (BNRDICC). The Directorate will oversee the coordination of RSTI activities
undertaken by key performers in Botswana, to ensure effective integration of all RSTI activities and to maximise their impact.
Additionally, the DRST shall have administrative responsibility for the National Research Fund and the Botswana Research Centre.
[c] Functions
The functions of the DRSTI shall be:
Identification of national RSTI priorities;
Guidance and monitor impact and alignment of policy implementation to the development needs of Botswana;
Development and implementation of strategies and mechanisms for technology diffusion, uptake and transfer to small and medium
enterprises;
Lead the development and implementation of a RSTI communication strategy;
Administration of specific instruments such as National Research Fund and the Botswana Research Centre;
Submit regular reports and recommendations to the BNRDICC either on its own initiative or upon request of the Council, on the
implementation of the RSTI policy;
Implement the decisions of the BNRDICC as the Council may direct;
Receive and consider reports of the Sectoral Committees and the RSTI liaison officers and co-ordinate their activities;
May request a Sectoral Committee to investigate any particular matter; and
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Development and management of a national RSTI database
[d] Composition
The Directorate shall be headed at Permanent Secretary level, by a National Coordinator of Research, Science, Technology and
Innovation. The Directorate will be sufficiently staffed by suitable skilled team in order to deliver the required functions of the
Directorate as set out in this document and guided by the RSTI Policy.
The Directorate will be structured into Divisions headed by specialists with expertise in their respective areas. The constituent units
of the Directorate should be designed and capacitated to coordinate, mobilise, inform, assist and support stakeholders in various
sectors to advantage of RSTI opportunities. These units shall include:
Information and Communication Division responsible for:
Gathering, formatting and disseminating various materials of any RSTI-related information in Botswana, with a view to establish
linkages between relevant institutions engaged in RSTI, promote an innovation culture, and increase funding opportunities for
RSTI performers;
Promoting awareness-raising events;
Developing and maintaining RSTI database; develop and update adequate RSTI indicators, and their coordination with regional
initiatives;
System-wide monitoring and evaluation by measuring tracking, and documenting the progress of individual projects and
performance of the RSTI system in general. Systematic archiving of reports and documentation in a depository library, that can be
made available to other users. The Division shall also coordinate regular reports from Sectoral Committees and prepare summaries
on the performance of RSTI performers in Botswana for their submission to the M&E sub-committee of the BNRDICC.
Networking Division: is envisaged to be specialized in forming linkages amongst stakeholders by:
� Being responsible of promoting new partnerships and opportunities for collaboration and funding schemes;
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Implementation Plan 2012
� Being a focal point to initiate and manage linkages amongst stakeholders;
� Scanning and reaching out to opportunities in various sectors (agriculture, health, ICT, etc.) and domains (private, public,
academic, etc.), and also across national boundaries to promote partnerships; and
� Consulting for the preparation of joint funding proposals and RSTI partnerships.
� RSTI Policy and Legislation Division that shall:
� Assist in the development of new legislation (Indigenous Knowledge / IPRs);
� Revise the national RSTI Policy; and
� Regularly review national policies and legislation to enhance synergies and reduce fragmentation.
Administration Division responsible for the administration of the NRF and the Botswana Research Centres.
Cooperation Division responsible for formulation and implementation of agreements and partnerships.
Regional cooperation and partnerships including bilateral
International cooperation and partnerships
Multilateral cooperation and partnerships including bilateral
RSTI Development Support Division whose functions will include:
Technology Fore-sighting;
Technology development support and transfer/ take-up support mechanisms;
RSTI mainstreaming - Liaison officers; and
Secretariat for the NRF
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Implementation Plan 2012
The staff of the Directorate would collectively have skills to:
Strengthen linkages between the STI community (researchers, public research institutions, NGOs, universities, firms, etc.), and the
users of new technologies, innovations, and scientific knowledge (e.g., farmers, health care professionals, teachers, parents, etc.);
Provide framework for organization and system management;
Compile STI-related data and information, synthesize and distribute it in various formats, and monitor development in this area;
Systematically collect, share and make use of lessons learned in the process of establishing and strengthening the national system
of innovation;
Administer the NRF and BRC; and
Fore-sighting/predict and plan the future of National RSTI direction.
[e] Working Arrangement
The Directorate on Research Science and Technology will be established by statue and semi-autonomous.
Subject to any directions that may be given by the BNRDICC, the Directorate shall determine its own procedure including that for
convening its meetings, for the conduct of business, and for the duration of the Coordinator’s term.
[f] Projected outcomes
Execution of the RSTI policy;
Direct management of the implementation process;
Platform and access point to RSTI information for stakeholders;
Increase public awareness on the importance of RSTI; and
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Implementation Plan 2012
Strengthen linkages across actors in the NSI
Sector Research Committees and Boards
TORs and operational guidelines
[a] Background
The broad scope of BNRDICC’s mandate may require the appointment of specialised sectoral advisory committees. Sector
Research Committees and Boards shall be established as and when necessary to cater for specific planning, implementation, and
coordination in key sectors. Such committees that are already in place will automatically serve as Sector Committees of the
Botswana National Research Coordinating Council when it is established. In order to avoid duplication and fragmentation of public
resources, the Sector committees will as much as possible be aligned with the Sector Human Resource Development Committees
(under the National Human Resource Development Council).
[b] Functions
Sector Committees will prepare guidelines, propose R&D plans, propose financial assistance for research and innovative
programmes, and follow the implementation of RSTI-related programs for specific sectors. The Committees will also study ways of
application of research and development results generated from various sectors and scan technology transfer opportunities for their
respective sectors. Their specific functions will be:
Identify the demands for RSTI with respect to its sector;
Identify programmes and RSTI performers that can respond to the sectoral needs;
Initiate and lead partnerships that support RSTI activity in their sector;
Responsible for the preparation of a comprehensive; implementation programme and the setting out of priorities with respect to its
sector;
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Implementation Plan 2012
Monitor and keep under constant review the implementation of the programmes of RSTI implementation strategy with respect to its
sector; and
Submit periodical reports and recommendations to the DRST either on its own initiative or upon the request of the BNRDICC
concerning the impact of the policy implementation programs that affect its sector.
[c] Composition
Each Sector Committee shall have a Chairperson and a Secretary. The members shall be drawn from both domestic and
international R&D environment. They shall be active in their relevant sector and represent major disciplines in the sector, human
sciences, and social sciences.
[d] Operational Arrangement
The Co-ordination Committee (BNRDICC) shall recommend to the Directorate the establishment, composition and functions of
specific Sectoral Committees, as may be necessary for the achievement of national goals, or for the deliberation of a specific
submission
Subject to any directions that may be given by the Directorate, the Sectoral Committees shall meet monthly for the proper
discharge of their functions and shall determine their own procedure. Reports from the meeting shall be delivered to the Directorate
to the BNRDICC to inform their quarterly meetings.
Line Ministries shall provide secretariat to the Committees.
[e] Projected outcomes
The establishment of Sector Research Committees will provide:
Better alignment of sectoral needs to national RSTI resources
Regular improvement and actualization of policy formulation
Increased competitiveness, growth and employment creation in key sectors that will benefit all Batswana people
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Implementation Plan 2012
Increased opportunities for knowledge creation and learning experience of implementation programs in each sector.
Increased opportunities for economic diversification through creation and support of new critical skills and competences
National Research Funding Board
TORs and operational guidelines
[a] Background
The National RSTI Policy recognises that financial resources are fundamental to strengthen the innovative capability that drives
economic growth. Research, development and innovation are risky and costly activities, therefore, they need to be supported.
Additionally the policy recognises that limited private sector participation in RSTI activities and weak local research linkages hinder
the ability of Botswana to become a competitive, knowledge-based society.
[b] Mandate
The mandate of the National Research Funding Board is to facilitate and allocate funding for research; and strengthen research
capacity in Botswana in all fields of science, technology and innovation.
[c] Function
The main functions of the NRFB shall be:
Identify research and development focus areas for investment
Support small and medium enterprises to incubate innovative products, systems and services
Provide inputs into the research strategies of line departments
Evaluate submissions – set of criteria be established to determine successful applications/proposals.
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Implementation Plan 2012
Monitoring and evaluation of research quality
Manage the National Research Fund
[d] Composition
The NRA shall have a Board responsible for managing the budget allocation. Additionally it shall have a review team for evaluating
funding proposals and making recommendations on the technical aspects and funding requirements. The members of the review
team must have the necessary technical background, research experience and credibility in the science & technology domain.
Members will be appointed by the Minister responsible for Science and Technology
Members of the NRF Board shall not serve in the BNRDICC concurrently
Length and term of service - Number of reappointments
The Coordinator of the DRST and the Chief Executive Officer of the BRCs shall be Ex-officio members of the NRF.
[e] Operational Arrangement
The National Research Agency must be able to identify broad priority areas under the guidance of the DRST.
The funding of the long-term research agenda relating to the sectors under the responsibility of line ministries will be administered
by the National Research Fund Board. Thus, the funds for such long term research shall be decided by Parliament, and directly
forwarded to the funding body by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning after approval by Parliament.
The NRFB should operate on an open call /competitive basis and consider proposals in the identified areas.
The operationalization of the NRFB is proposed as follows:
The NRFB should be autonomous in its operational activity, whilst sharing strategic and administrative activities with the DRST
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Implementation Plan 2012
The NRFB should have a specific budget allocation and should report to the DRST
Information related to new/ available funding should be part of the communication strategy of DRST and be widely disseminated
amongst stakeholders.
The NRFB must develop a mechanism to evaluate & monitor the output of the research & technology development once financial
allocations have been made.
The NRFB will receive funds from outside government
An initial budget shall be recommended to launch the NRF, covering the first year of operation. The funds will initially be largely
from Government, but as the Agency matures contributions shall rise through private sector participation, and international
cooperation.
The DRST will serve as the Secretariat of the NRFB
[f] Projected outcomes
Increase knowledge base and competitive capabilities in Botswana
Developing research capacity to unlock the full creative potential of researchers
Exploitation of possible synergies within the NSI
Provision of competitive and multi-sectoral funding
Monitor and evaluate research programmes –ensure international quality standards
Promotion of business development, based on a strong technology support
Facilitating strategic partnerships and knowledge networks
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Botswana Research Centres
TORs and operational guidelines
[a] Background
The Policy recognizes the importance of a research institution able to deliver a variety of quality research products, systems and
services into the market place. For this purpose it is suggested that research and innovation institutions shall be rationalised to
create a Botswana Research Centre (BRC) as a parastatal umbrella body. The BRC will be composed by a set of Centres of
Excellence that will develop technologies to address the national priorities and goals by conducting world class research.
[b] Mandate
The Botswana Research Centres of Excellence shall address the national priorities and goals by conducting world class multidisciplinary
research and technological innovation, in co-operation with the private and public sectors, and thereby contributing to
the improvement of the quality of life of the Batswana people.
[c] Functions
BRC shall undertake research in priority areas including:
Basic science
Emerging research areas: both locally and internationally; necessary for local competitiveness.
Strategic research areas (e.g. safety and security, energy, etc.)
The activities of the BRCs shall be guided by the principles of:
Maximization of synergies and efficient utilization of national resources
Improvement of the productive capacity of the population;
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Improvement of technical processes and methods to improve industrial production;
Promotion and the expansion of existing, and the establishment of new industries;
Improve cooperation between RSTI actors (government departments, community, international actors);
Promote technology transfer and the dissemination and mobility of knowledge
Promote RSTI training and learning
Establish facilities for the collection and dissemination of information in connection with research;
Establish facilities for monitoring and evaluation of research outputs.
[d] Composition
The BRC will be managed by a Board appointed by the Minister responsible for Science and Technology. The Board shall be
headed by a Chairperson. The Board shall exercise control generally over the performance of the Centres of Excellence, their
functions, and the execution of their duties. Board members shall be persons of achieved distinction in science or industry and shall
comprise broad representation for multiple sectors including: Tertiary education; private sector, natural sciences and engineering,
social sciences and humanities; health sciences, and civil society. Board members shall be appointed for 3 years and shall meet
regularly – not less than quarterly.
The Board shall appoint an Executive Management Board directly responsible for the management of the activities of the BRC.
[e] Working Arrangement
The Research Centre will receive annual subventions from Parliament based on advice from the BNRDICC. Initially, the
government shall subsidize a larger share of BRC’s income (60%), although it is expected to gradually decrease to 30%-40% as
the BRC evolves. The remained income shall be generated from research contracts with a variety of clients including the private
sector (micro, small, medium and large enterprises; formal and informal), as well as public sector departments (national, provincial
and local government). Research contracts shall demonstrate that research conducted in the BRC Centres of Excellence achieves
market standards of quality, and provides tangible benefits to the society.
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The parliamentary grant shall be oriented to funding the knowledge base and for its investment in new areas of expertise,
undertaking ‘pre-competitive’ research too risky for the private sector to fund and for training young researchers.
[f] Projected outcomes
The activities of the BRC shall contribute to the achievement of the national development goals by:
Building and transforming human capital
Strengthening the national knowledge base
Fostering partnerships and research collaboration
Contributing to national competitiveness and economic diversification
Performing relevant knowledge-generating research and technology transfer
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MINISTRY OF INFRASTRUCTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
National Policy on Research, Science,
Technology and Innovation, 2012
Implementation Plan
Department of Research, Science and Technology
Tel: 267 3613100
Email: rstibots@gov.bw
Gaborone
BOTSWANA
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