Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) Welcomes Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Briefing and Support for Innovation Advancement
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA) acknowledges and appreciates the recognition by the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on the importance of innovation in driving South Africa’s socio-economic development.
As an entity of the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), TIA particularly appreciates the championship by Ms. Tsakani Shiviti, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation, who emphasised the role of science, technology and innovation in driving transformative changes in various sectors of the economy including, mineral beneficiation, renewable energy, clean energy solutions, the circular economy, and the hydrogen economy. These sectors are essential for South Africa’s transition to a more sustainable and globally competitive economy. TIA continues to play a pivotal role in enabling innovations that translates into commercial opportunities.
In this, she highlighted the need for increased funding to support the Agency’s efforts in driving technological advancements and fostering economic growth, and in this highlighting the importance of increased efforts to drive demographic transformation and inclusive development in the innovation landscape.
Through its Grassroots Innovation Programme, TIA actively promotes equitable participation by historically marginalised communities, ensuring that innovation becomes a catalyst for economic and social upliftment across all segments of society.
Through targeted investments and developmental initiatives, the Agency has played a pivotal role in advancing historically disadvantaged innovators and businesses. By providing funding, capacity-building, and strategic partnerships, TIA has successfully broadened access to opportunities in the science, technology, and innovation sectors. The impact of these initiatives is evident in the increasing participation of black-owned enterprises, women-led innovations, and youth-driven startups that are contributing to South Africa’s economic and technological advancement.
Collaboration remains a cornerstone of TIA’s approach to fostering innovation. Working in collaboration with the department and the Ministry, the Agency is committed to strengthening its partnerships with other government entities, the private sector, and academic institutions to create an enabling ecosystem that supports research, commercialisation, and technology deployment for national benefit.
TIA acknowledges the remarks made by Ms. Khusela Diko MP, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Communications and Digital Technologies, regarding the need for policy and regulatory reforms that will accelerate South Africa’s transformation into a digital economy. The Agency welcomes the emphasis on the strategic use of ICT in service delivery and acknowledges the recognition of TIA’s central role in driving innovation. Ms. Diko’s call for greater resourcing of the Agency is particularly encouraging, as it underscores the importance of sustained investment in innovation to ensure South Africa’s global competitiveness.
As TIA continues its mission of enabling and supporting technological innovation, it remains committed to working with all stakeholders to drive economic development, job creation, and long-term sustainability. The Agency looks forward to continued engagements with policymakers, industry leaders, and innovators to build a thriving, innovation-driven economy for South Africa.