WHAT'S HAPPENING IN RESEARCH?

Fridge Update

Fridge, the Fund for Research into Industrial Development, Growth and Equity, which is funded by the Department of Trade and Industry (the dti), manages research into topics suggested by and monitored by the Nedlac Trade and Industry Chamber constituencies. The administration of the fund takes place through the Industrial Development Corporation, one of the Council of Trade and Industry

Institutions falling under the dti. The process is as follows:

• Study topic suggested by any one of the Nedlac constituencies.
• Fridge sub-committee accepts topic and agrees on a budget for the study.
• Constituencies nominate delegates for a counterpart group which will manage the project.
• The counterpart group agrees on the terms of reference for the study
• The IDC Procurement Department Department calls for tenders from research companies to undertake the research.
• The counterpart group adjudicates the tenders, with the IDC, and recommends one for approval by both the Fridge sub-committee and the IDC Procurement Committee.
• The study is undertaken. The consultants report regularly to the counterpart group on progress and the group gives direction.
• Once the final study has been approved by the counterpart group, it is presented to the Fridge sub-committee.
• If the Fridge Committee accepts the report, it is presented to the Trade and Industry Chamber for adoption.
• If the TIC adopts the study, a Trade and Industry Chamber task team is set up to analyse the policy recommendations flowing from the study.

The topics currently on the agenda are:

Integrated Strategy for the retention and creation of employment in the South African Metals and Engineering Industry

As part of a sector summit process, research has been undertaken into the employment situation in the Metals and Engineering Industry. The study is in the final stages of completion, and its recommendations will feed into the sector summit process. The Department of Minerals and Energy also intends using parts of the findings of this study as input strategy into a new Mineral Beneficiation Bill.

• A study to examine the intermediate Stainless Steel products industry for the production of Blanks, Pressings and Components parts - A final report is expected this month.
  Globally Harmonised System - Currently the project is in its final phase and the task team will now begin to look at the implementation strategy.
  Measures to Reduce Air Pollution from Combustion
  - The study is due to be finished in December 2003.
  Clean Development Mechanism - The study got underway at the beginning of September and is due to be completed in March 2004.
  Diamond Study - consultants to do the research are to be appointed shortly.
  Creation of a Phosphate Value Chain - tenders from research companies are being considered Study into the establishment of Aroma and Fragrance fine chemicals value chain in South Africa - tenders are being considered
  Preliminary feasibility study into the manufacture of Penicillin and Derivatives in South Africa - The study began in early September and will be completed in October 2003.
  Mercosur (textiles, clothing and footwear) - the counterpart group has agreed the terms of reference. A tender will be advertised shortly.
  Chemicals Trade Study (Mercosur and USA) - the counterpart group will meet on 3rd October 2003 to finalise the terms of reference.
  ICT Development Agency/Institute Mechanism - the terms of reference are still being refined. Export/Import SADC - the first counterpart group meeting will be held shortly.