Programme: MPhil Technology Policy 2010
Country: South Africa
Company: Independent Consultant; Senior Lecturer, University of Pretoria; Researcher, University of Stellenbosch
I believe that through the MPhil in Technology Policy I have made an excellent investment in terms of developing key skills to advise government, universities and industry at the highest level.
“Spending some time as a student in Cambridge no doubt was one of the most wonderful times of my life this far. Every morning I woke up and thought to myself that I cannot believe that I am so lucky to get this opportunity and that I will make the most of my chance to be here.
“I grew up in Pretoria, South Africa and after school studied electronic engineering, eventually earning a PhD in Engineering at the University of Pretoria. After a number of years as a management consultant at Monitor Group, and after that Frost & Sullivan, it was a relatively easy decision to apply to Cambridge for the MPhil in Technology Policy.
“Through my research and work, I have become very interested in developing thinking around how one can establish and support the development of technology-based industries. I believe that through the MPhil in Technology Policy I have made an excellent investment in terms of developing key skills to advise government, universities and industry at the highest level. It was through this course that I could establish an in-depth understanding of areas such as industry analysis, negotiation, political economy of technology policy and entrepreneurial science, which contributes to a core skillset for the development of science, technology and innovation policy.
“Since graduating I have been presented with wonderful opportunities to use skills gained on the programme. I have completed multiple engagements as an independent consultant, I work as a senior lecturer at the University of Pretoria and I also accepted a position as a researcher at the University of Stellenbosch on a UK Aid funded project. On this project we are developing capacity for 24 sub-Saharan African universities to improve institutional support in order to ensure university research has an impact on the community and economy. My work takes me to very interesting corners of the African continent and it is wonderful to be part of the development and strengthening of institutional capacity in universities in the next frontier of growth.”