The Independent Institute of Education Proprietary Limited (IIE) and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), an entity of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 13 October 2023, for purposes of collaboration in industry focussed skills development and innovation support initiatives leveraging from the CSIR Learning Factory.

A Learning Factory is a facility that aims to mimic a realistic working environment to provide future-focused education and training as well as fostering innovation.

Key highlights of the MoU:

Holistic collaboration: The CSIR Learning Factory will conduct a pilot training session for IIE MBA students. The objective of this pilot is to provide an opportunity to IIE MSA students in the CSIR Learning Factory's training programs. It also aimed at obtaining feedback which will enhance the CSIR Learning Factory’s scope and assist in identifying joint future training opportunities, content development for training courses and other educational materials within Higher Education. This collaboration represents a milestone in the education and technology sectors.

Skills development and innovation: The partnership aims to explore and execute various initiatives that will contribute to skills development and innovation within the industry. Both parties recognise the synergy in their capabilities, making them fitting partners for such endeavours in these fields.

The future of education: The CSIR Learning Factory aims to represent the future of education and training by integrating both the theoretical and practical training for IIE MBA students on various  topics, including 4IR technologies, 3D Printing, and blockchain practical elements. The collaboration seeks to pioneer a new era in education by equipping students with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the era of 4IR.

CSIR’s acting Executive Cluster Manager, Future Production: Manufacturing, Johan Strydom said: "The  Manufacturing Cluster sees the collaboration with the IIE MSA, as an integral component of its strategic intent to support South African Higher Education institutions in enhancing their training programmes through the use of 4IR technologies and providing access to infrastructure. This will undoubtedly contribute to improving and advancing skills  the South African Industries require. This partnership will enable us to share our expertise to accelerate the infusion of technology solutions into South Africa’s Education sector.”

IIE MSA Head of School Research and Postgraduate Studies Unit, Marlene Bogaards, stated: "This collaboration holds great promise as we harness the best of both worlds: CSIR's technical excellence and the IIE MSA educational prowess. Together, we are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of skills development and innovation."

The MoU between the CSIR and the IIE MSA marks the beginning of an exciting journey, where industry-aligned learning and innovation will boost South Africa in the global knowledge economy.

-ENDS-

Issued by CSIR Strategic Communications

About the CSIR:

The CSIR, an entity of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, is one of the leading scientific and technology research, development and implementation organisations in Africa. Constituted by an Act of Parliament in 1945 as a science council, the CSIR undertakes directed and multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, as well as industrial and scientific development to improve the quality of life of all South Africans. For more information, visit www.csir.co.za

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