Calls to turn research projects into products grow louder

Government has challenged tertiary institutions to move their research and innovations from laboratories into the marketplace.

Higher and Tertiary Education deputy minister Simelisizwe Sibanda told stakeholders at a woekahop in Masvingo recently that the success of the ministry’s strategic plan will be judged by results, not discussions.

Sibanda, who was standing in for minister Frederick Shava, said the focus must now shift from planning to implementation, and from innovation to commercialisation.

The workshop was convened to review progress on the ministry strategic plan 2026-2030, drawn up in Mutare last year under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).

The workshop brought together ministry officials, vice-chancellors, principals, board and council chairpersons, captains of industry and development partners.

“Our focus must now move from planning to implementation and from innovation to commercialization,” Sibanda said

Sibanda said the success of the plan would not be measured by the quality of discussions at the workshop.

“It will be measured by the number of students we graduate, industries we establish, the innovations we commercialise, the jobs we create and the lives we improve. As leaders of this sector, we must move with urgency, commitment and accountability. The time for planning has passed. The time for execution is now,” he said.

Sibanda said government’s investments in innovation hubs, industrial parks and research infrastructure must produce measurable economic value.

“Publicly funded innovations should progress beyond prototype stage and enter the marketplace as products, services and enterprises. Universities, colleges and polytechnics must strengthen their partnerships with industry and investors to ensure that research responds to national priorities and contributes directly to industrial development and employment creation,” the deputy minister said.

Sibanda added tbat graduates should leave tertiary institutions armed with practical skills, entrepreneurial capabilities and innovation competencies.

Sibanda said the ministry’s focus on human capital development in 2027 would include expanding the Integrated Skills Expansion Outreach Programme (ISEOP) to all districts and strengthening training in agro-processing, renewable energy and Artificial Intelligence.

It will also address STEM teacher shortages, fully operationalise the National Qualifications and Credentials Platform and increase female participation in STEM disciplines and innovation programmes.

He said the Mutoko Bio-Economy Industrial Park was proof of what innovation-driven development can achieve.

“In 2027, every province should advance at least one viable industrialisation initiative under the Hub and Spoke Model,” he said.

He said stronger collaboration between innovation hubs, industry and export markets would unlock the productive potential of rural communities and ensure inclusive economic growth.

Sibanda also put governance and accountability on the agenda, saying the plan’s implementation depended on strong governance, accountability and transparency.

“All institutions under the Ministry must demonstrate sound financial management, effective leadership and a commitment to excellence in service delivery. We must strengthen institutional accountability and ensure that resources are directed towards the achievement of national development priorities,” he said.

He said the ministry would continue to deepen partnerships with industry, development partners, friendly nations and the Zimbabwean diaspora to support technology transfer, investment mobilisation, research collaboration and capacity development.