Research Expo good for business

takes research seriously and their hard work has finally paid off.
The university has for the second time running scooped a trophy in the Research and International Expo held in the capital from the September 5-7, 2012.
By winning the edition it clearly shows the importance of balancing academic and research in the development of manpower in the country.
The country’s oldest university has lead the way in research and ranks among the continent’s prime university producing graduates of repute that have gone to lead research institutions in Africa and the globe.
The Zimbabwean Government has always accorded research an important place in national development hence the decision to accord the Expo the honour to be officially opened by the Head of State and Chancellor of State Universities President Mugabe.
The President gave a lecture on the critical role played by universities, technical colleges and teachers colleges in boosting production in all sectors of the economy.
Running under the theme “Research, Innovation, Creativity for Sustainable Development”, the expo was a showcase of recent findings and scientific developments that are meant to improve the lives of Zimbabwe.
UZ showcased an array of exhibits that included prototypes which received acclaim from visitors who toured their stand including President Mugabe.
The Expo provided intellectual stimuli and knowledge which the corporate sector could now use for the benefit of the nation.
This new technology can propel the country to dizzy heights in technological development and create new wealth for Zimbabwe.
The Expo is not only for showcasing universities, polytechnics, research institutions and teacher’s colleges, but also a dialogue forum where ordinary people can discuss and exchange information, especially on agriculture, which is the backbone of Zimbabwe’s economy.  
UZ researchers have broken new ground in innovative research by making new inventions that will not only cut costs, but also produce higher yields.  
RIE is an initiative to showcase research outputs and intellectual prowess by Zimbabweans both at home and abroad. It is recognised that no country has developed without utilising the wealth of knowledge and creativity produced by its own citizens.
Cognisant of this fact, Zimbabwe can harness and channel this new knowledge towards the achievement of its developmental goals.
Furthermore, the multi-disciplinary nature of that development makes it imperative that this whole endeavour be all-encompassing.
In July 2009, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education conceptualised RIE and proceeded to appoint a special committee called the Research and Intellectual Expo Organising Committee (RIEOC) led by the chairman of the board of the Zimbabwe Council for Higher Education, Professor Chris Chetsanga. RIEOC is tasked to organise the Expo annually.
With diverse players from different backgrounds holding creative and innovative approaches, RIE will continue to be vital, not only in Zimbabwe, but in the Sadc region and the world over.
In a country hungry for new ideas and innovation, RIE presents an opportunity that will usher Zimbabwe into the knowledge economy that has never been imagined before. Not only is RIE good for business, but business is also good for RIE.
This symbiotic and mutual partnership can see the nation reaching commanding heights in industrialisation.
There is empirical evidence on the positive impact that the Expo can have on business and other critical institutions by providing a platform to market themselves.  
RIE is pooling together the latest creativity on new tools for various commercial, industrial, medical, social and technological applications, as well as unleash new ideas of evolving business strategy to enhance national development.
Building better business and other economic sectoral strategies at the RIE is central to creating a long-term alliance between research and academic institutions, business, Government and other stakeholders in support of Zimbabwe’s developmental goals.
l Isaac Muzambi is the Senior Assistant Registrar in the Department of Information, Protocol and Public Relations at the University of Zimbabwe.