Poor performance of the manufacturing industry, due to lack of application of science and technology

The Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has attributed the poor performance of the manufacturing industry in the country due to lack of application of science and technology.

ZACCI Vice President Professor Pinalo Chifwanakeni says Zambia has lagged behind in technological advancement.

Professor Chifwanakeni says this has resulted in industries becoming uncompetitive with declining productivity especially in a global trade environment dominated by rapid evolving new technologies and processes and governed by free market force.

Speaking at the national science and technology council research workshop, Prof. Chifwanakeni has recommended that government should come up with an explicit innovation policy.

Speaking at the same event, Higher Education Minister Professor Nkandu Luo has hinted on a plan to split the University of Zambia into three as part of the redesigning some universities in the country

Professor Luo says under this plan, the university of Zambia will have three vice chancellors.

She has also expressed concern over the low levels of research In Zambia which she says needs serious attention.

And NSTC Chairperson, Dr. Henry Musenge says research and innovation management is cardinal for professional and efficient management of research in the institutions.

Dr. Musenge says it is for this reason that the council will continue to contribute towards building and capacitating structures for research and innovation in the institutions.