Today’s business leaders understand that technology and innovation are the cornerstone of their company’s future success. And they also understand that seeking partnerships and collaborating with other companies can lead to faster and more meaningful innovation - stimulating growth and creating greater economic opportunities.
The KwaZulu-Natal provincial government has identified this need for technological innovation and collaboration and has begun developing science and technology parks in four key regions across the province to promote the so-called knowledge economy, drive socio-economic development and increase competitiveness.
The provincial government is working closely with the GWI Group, the company responsible for driving the KZN Techno Hubs project and enabling its teams to deliver world class facilities.
If you are a high-tech entrepreneur, researcher, property developer or are involved in business or academia, these hubs - to be located in Newcastle, Pietermaritzburg, Richards Bay and Port Shepstone - present an ideal opportunity to create jobs and attract investment.
It is envisaged that the regional hubs will be used and supported by technology and innovation “clusters” comprising interconnected companies, specialised suppliers, service providers, and associated institutions in a specific sector or industry.
Although these companies may be competitors the hubs will create a physical space where they are able to collaborate. This co-operation will enable the industry in which they operate to grow and compete on a national and even international level.
The success of technology hubs both locally and internationally, the most well known of which is Silicon Valley in the United States, has spurred on the KZN provincial government to prepare the ground for the project.
It believes it’s initiatives such as these that will help the province to improve its competitiveness - especially given that it continues to underspend on research and development.
The hub promises to boost economic development in the the region by offering a range of incentives, rebates and assistance for investors.
Interested? Please complete the application form here.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST APPLICATION FORM
Hub (def): the effective centre of an activity, region, or network
Collaboration (def): the action of working with someone to produce something
Innovation (def): a new method, idea, product
