a waste rdi roadmap for south africa the importance of research, development and innovation (rdi) in...
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A WASTE RDI ROADMAP FOR SOUTH AFRICA
The importance of research, development and innovation (RDI)in transforming the South African waste sector
Prof Linda Godfrey
Project Manager: Waste Roadmap
IU
CSIR Implementation Unit
Background
• South Africa has embraced the principles of the waste hierarchy in legislation
• But, it has been slow to transition up the waste hierarchy• South Africa landfills ~90% of all
waste generated (2011)
• A minimum of R17 billion worth of resources lost to the SA economy and a downstream manufacturing sector every year through disposal to landfill (2012)
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Background
• Moving up the waste hierarchy away from landfilling creates environmental, social and economic opportunities for South Africa
• Opportunity to move resources into a local secondary resources economy
• In this lies significant opportunity and need for research, development and innovation (RDI) to – • Inform policy development and
implementation
• Inform technology uptake
• Provide evidence to support informed decision-making
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Waste RDI in South Africa
• Waste RDI in South Africa can still be considered as ‘emerging’ (Capability mapping project, 2014)
• Pockets of excellence in certain fields
• Evidence of both specialisation (depth of maturity) as well as diversity across fields of waste RDI at the various SA research institutions
• However, funding for waste RDI remains small, with a spend of ±0.33% the value of the waste sector (2012)
• Within the context of a national R&D spend which has remained steady at 0.76% GDP
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The Waste RDI Roadmap
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• In 2012 the DST embarked on a process to develop a strategic approach to research, development and innovation (RDI) in the South African waste sector
• To support South Africa’s move away from landfilling towards alternative options through innovation
• The three pillars of the Waste RDI Roadmap include –
• In South Africa’s transition to a Green Economy
WasteInnovation
(technologicaland non-
technological)
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That will support the maximisation of diversion of waste from landfill towards value-adding opportunities
Waste Research& Development
(R&D)
Human Capital Development
(HCD)
The Waste RDI Roadmap
The Waste RDI Roadmap
• The Waste RDI Roadmap provides a framework to implement –
1. More effective decision-making
2. Faster insertion of context-appropriate Technology
3. Export of Know-How and Technology
4. Strengthened RDI capability and capacity
• And opportunities to strengthen waste RDI collaboration within and between the public and private sector
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• A process of intense waste sector and NSI participation and consultation was implemented
• In defining and shaping the – • Priority waste streams
• Municipal waste
• Organic waste
• Plastic waste
• Waste Tyres
• Electronic waste (WEEE)
• Sector challenges and opportunities
• RDI objectives
Developing the Waste Roadmap
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RDI focus areas (clusters)
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Ramping up RDI investment
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Investment in Waste RDI
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Investment in Waste RDI
The Waste RDI Roadmap
• The anticipated benefits of strengthened waste RDI include – • Reducing the generation of waste
• Increased diversion of waste away from landfill
• Reducing the environmental and social impacts of waste disposal
• Increasing the recovery of valuable resources in the face of resource scarcity
• Driving towards a circular economy
• Stimulating a regional secondary resources economy with potential for new jobs and business
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Summary of the Waste RDI Roadmap
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Way forward
• CSIR has been appointed to implement the Waste RDI Roadmap on behalf of DST
• In partnership with Government, Industry and Academia
• Actively explore opportunities (local and international) for RDI collaboration and co-investment
• Focus for 2015-16 on implementing –
– The short-term RDI objectives
– With a focus on technology, logistics and society (3 clusters)
– Continue Industry-meets-Science workshops
– Support the new specialist Hon and Masters degrees in waste management
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• Prof Linda GodfreyPrincipal ScientistE-mail: [email protected]
• Dr Henry RomanDirector: Environmental Services and TechnologiesE-mail: [email protected]
• Ms Magamase MangeDeputy Director: Environmental TechnologiesE-mail: [email protected]
www.wasteroadmap.co.za
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Contact details