Collaboration between the CSIR and the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI) has been instrumental in supporting the successful creation of the Centre for Enterprise Development (ECD) on the island of Trinidad, which is part of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The centre was launched on 26 June 2013.
The CARIRI centre will provide accommodation, technical and business advisory support services to individuals and enterprises with innovative ideas and projects, whose plan is to take these through the business incubation process to commercialisation.
Boyse Pillay (right) during his June 2012 visit to CARIRI.
Two CSIR names appeared on the guest list of VIPs: Berenice Lue who heads up CSIR Strategic Alliances and Boyse Pillay, manager: CSIR ECD. Although neither could attend the launch, Berenice commented, “It is endearing to hear that the WAITRO-initiated relationship between CARIRI and the CSIR ECD has resulted in this land mark event. “
WAITRO is the World Association of Industrial and Technological Research Organizations. Both the CSIR and CARIRI are members of WAITRO.
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Berenice continues, “The CSIR is pleased to have cooperated with CARIRI in this true spirit of partnership in the area of technology innovation. More especially, we are pleased that this centre will result in job creation and industrial development for the people of Trinidad and Tobago.”
Background
The CSIR has a formal relationship with CARIRI. On 15 February 2012 Dr Rachel Chikwamba, CSIR Group Executive: Strategic Alliances and Communication, and CARIRI chief executive officer (CEO), Mr Liaquat Ali Shah, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on behalf of their respective institutions. This event took place at the CSIR.
The MoU covers the following areas of cooperation:
- Business and technology incubation infrastructure;
- Commercialisation of technologies developed by the CSIR;
- Food technology, inclusive of food packaging and foods safety;
- Materials technology, inclusive of environmental management systems, waste recycling, and greenhouse gas emissions;
- Training at both institutions and short-term attachments; and
- Development of consultancy capability in select areas.
Four delegations from CARIRI have visited the CSIR over the past few years, with the most recent visit in May 2013.
CSIR staff members have in turn visited CARIRI to share the CSIR’s approach and experience regarding innovation, enterprise creation and enterprise support programmes. On CARIRI’s invitation, Boyse spent a two-week study visit in June 2012 at the organisation. This was an opportunity for him to familiarise himself with the socio-economic situation in the Caribbean, thereby enabling him to provide inputs into the strategy for the Centre for Enterprise Development.
Boyse comments, “This visit appeared to have provided the necessary impetus for the finalisation of plans for the CARIRI centre. I am delighted that it is now in operation.”
The centre will incorporate innovation, business and technology incubation infrastructure, as well as an information and communication technology centre.
Read more about the Centre for Enterprise Development
Read more about the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
News contributed by Biffy Van Rooyen , CSIR Strategic Communication 04 July 2013
