Several decades ago, technological progress was hampered by a lack of technological knowledge. Now, at the turn of the twentieth century, that knowledge is available in abundance, with progress limited only by the number of people who can translate that knowledge into useful technology. The technikons, through their close links with industry, specialise in making knowledge useful. The practical application and use of that knowledge have not been primary objectives. It can be said that technikons convert knowledge into technology, or that the research and development at technikons have to a large degree become a function of making commodities, in that scientific and engineering knowledge is transformed into commercially viable proprietary products that can be owned and bought and sold in the market.
All research is expensive.
Therefore, any country, especially a developing country such as South Africa, should question the value it gets out of research aimed at generating more knowledge, if its application for the benefit of its people is not apparent. Technikon Pretoria feels comfortable with this approach and is to an increasing degree making significant contributions in this respect. Through joint ventures and partnerships with the private sector, we apply research and development, in particular with regard to the development and adaptation of suitable technology and the conveying and diffusion of technology. We are involved in the establishment and development of incubation and innovation centres that will serve as gateways to new technology-based SMMEs being established. We are developing centres of excellence at our campuses where expert and specialist knowledge and experience are concentrated and used to benefit the technological development and competitiveness of the country.