At the October 2019 Von Seidels Technology and Networking Event, we welcomed IP Manager from the University of Cape Town’s RC&I department, Philip Hoekstra as our guest speaker.

Philip, who is conversant with the technology transfer considerations and opportunities within BRICS, shared the new initiatives that are being created to facilitate tech transfer between the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa – the world’s leading emerging economies), such as the recently launched BRICS Technology Transfer Centre in Kunming, China.

The take-away – 

• The BRICS TT Centre in its initial stages will be funded by the local government
• The Centre will encourage orderly tech transfer between BRICS countries, and through this network there are plans to establish Centres in each BRICS country, ultimately creating high-tech sectors
• Opportunities arise as mechanism are employed through the BRICS TT Centre and the 1000 Talents Programme to access SA tech and talent which will further strengthen collaborations.

Did you know that in 2017 South Africa was the only African country with Joint Ventures in China?! #Sasol #SinosteelJV

Thank you to everyone who attended, we hope you found the IP talks interesting and had an enjoyable evening with us.