Question

What are TIA's internal strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities and threats?

Answer 1

TIA's internal strengths, weaknesses, external opportunities and threats are:

 

Strengths

The uniqueness and extent of TIA's mandate positions it as a relevant institutional intervention in the National System of Innovation Solid foundation with key instruments such as the Seed Fund Programme, Technology Stations Programme and Technology Platforms Programme Solid pipeline of near-market technologies for greater impact in the future Good baseline of sound strategic partnerships Unique innovation funding instruments Sound governance and control environment

 

Weaknesses

Top heavy, thin on the ground Lack of ecosystem/multi-stakeholder project funding Operational inefficiencies related to poor turnaround times and lack of communication Lack of strategic alignment in the National System of Innovation Low credibility with key stakeholders

 

Opportunities

New policy thrusts arising from government's 20192024 Medium-Term Strategic Framework, the White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation, and the DSI Decadal Plan, as well as an emphasis on transformation and inclusivity, provide a good context and an opportunity for TIA to fully deploy its mandate Positive momentum around innovation, especially with industry partners, presents opportunities to increase the rate of commercialisation for demand-driven approaches to innovation TIA has established a significant relationship with the SA SME Fund, which presents opportunities to tap into its pool of partnerships with other players and fund managers in South Africa TIA will have to leverage on its mandate to make a real contribution within the fourth industrial revolution discourse through investments in big data, blockchain and artificial intelligence technologies Managing sector programmes on behalf of the DSI

 

Threats

Reducing fiscal allocation Weak economy Lack of confidence in TIA Other players/competitors encroaching on TIA activities