THRIP boosts SA industry and economy

News

5 June 2002 News

During 2002, at least R260 million will be invested in research and development activities designed to improve the competitiveness of South African industry. Some 200 projects have been approved for science and technology research grants that range from R5000 to R8 million. These grants are awarded through the Technology and Human Resources for Industry Programme (THRIP), managed by the National Research Foundation (NRF) on behalf of the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti).

Of the R260 million, government made available R130 million through the dti, with the other half being private sector funds from small and large industrial companies. Government and industry match each other's financial support through THRIP due to researchers tackling problems to find solutions to existing challenges experienced by industry. The projects supported by THRIP this year cover a wide range of technology areas, including agriculture, bio-processing, food, forestry, health care, materials, mining, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and power systems.

Dr Gerhard von Gruenewaldt, NRF Vice-President, remarks: "THRIP has a key role in providing knowledge workers with the skills to combine knowledge, technology and productive activity in the knowledge economy. This role strongly supports the intentions of the dti's integrated manufacturing strategy, as discussed by Dr Alistair Ruiters, Director-General of the dti, in Parliament recently."

THRIP addresses the expressed need for interventions that focus on challenges in industrial development and competitiveness. In addition to supporting focused research and technology development with well defined outputs, the THRIP funds contribute towards the training of more than 1800 postgraduate students this year. Of these, more than 700 are black students and more than 550 are women. "The students who benefit from THRIP projects today will be the driving force behind the growth of South African industry in future," concludes Von Gruenewaldt.

For further information contact THRIP Manager, Dr Rob Drennan, 012 481 4104, [email protected]

Share this article:

Vivashan Muthan appointed as head of export sales and operations at RS South Africa
RS South Africa News
With a career spanning engineering, business development, and sales leadership across sub-Saharan Africa, Vivashan Muthan brings a wealth of expertise to his new role as head of export sales and operations.

Read more...

Google equips university students across Africa with free access to advanced AI tools
News
A 12-month Google AI Pro plan has been launched for students in Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa, and Zimbabwe to build foundational AI skills.

Read more...

Africa’s space economy projected to be worth $22,6 billion in 2026
News
South Africa is gearing up to be at the forefront of the growth in the space industry, creating thousands of jobs, driving innovation, and boosting the national economy.

Read more...

Distribution partnership with MacDermid Alpha
Testerion News
MacDermid Alpha Electronics Solutions India Private Limited has announced that as of 01 September 2025 Testerion will be the sole importer and distributor of their products to the South African market.

Read more...

Categories

News

THRIP boosts SA industry and economy

Further reading:

Publications by Technews