2 – 5 December 2019, CSIR ICC, Pretoria, South Africa
The South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) hosted the SFSA 2019 together with the 3rd Innovation Bridge (IB) Technology Matchmaking and Showcasing Event from 2 to 5 December 2019, in Pretoria, South Africa.
Programme overview
The five-day programme of SFSA 2019 began with side events on 2 and 3 December, leading into a high-level opening plenary on 4 December. Hosted by the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Dr Blade Nzimande, the plenary marked the official opening of both SFSA and IB 2019. It featured a panel discussion on the theme, “The South Africa, Africa and world we want to leave our children: A technologically wise next generation.” The opening session was followed by three rounds of parallel sessions. On 6 December, SFSA and IB concluded with a high-level panel exploring the role of innovation in society—focusing on how to drive local technological advancement while attracting increased foreign direct investment. An interactive exhibition also ran alongside the programme.
Theme
The theme for the Forum was Igniting conversations about science for innovation with impact.