The Research Council of Zimbabwe hosted a press conference on 12 July 2016, to give an update on preparations for hosting of the 11th Zimbabwe International Research Symposium (ZIRS). The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority supported the press conference fully and pledged more collaborative support in hosting the 11th ZIRS. The 11th ZIRS is a major business and research event not to be missed.
During the media briefing the Research Council of Zimbabwe (RCZ) Executive Director, Mrs Susan Muzite highlighted that Entrepreneurs are important contributors to job creation, poverty elimination and economic transformation. Support of targeted and evidence-based strategies to promote growth of the sector is required. One such strategy is providing a platform through the 11th ZIRS for acquiring new knowledge to innovate. The Symposium scheduled for 16 and 17 February 2017seeks to link entrepreneurs with research results for the production of world class goods and services. The theme of the 11th ZIRS is “Research for Unlocking Entrepreneurship: Bridging the gap”. The goals and objectives of the 11th ZIRS are:
- To provide a platform for bringing research results to entrepreneurs.
To enable researchers and decision makers at all levels (including entrepreneurship level) in Zimbabwe and the rest of the world to exchange information, research findings and ideas for unlocking wealth.
To promote smart partnerships among researchers, entrepreneurs and other users of research results.
Those interested in taking part in the 11th ZIRS can come on board in a number of ways which include: Submission of papers for oral presentation; a second call for abstracts with a deadline of 31 July 2016 has already been advertised. Registration to attend the 11th ZIRS is open to everyone, from entrepreneurs, researchers, students to funders of research among others. Local, regional and international research centres, corporates, and young scientists are also being invited to exhibit at this event. Another way to take part at the event is through sponsoring the event; RCZ is grateful for its usual partners and asks them to come on board again in support of this noble cause as this is also time to showcase their brands to the whole world. New partners are also invited to take up sponsorship opportunities. RCZ all-weather partners in ICT were urged to come through in full force. Researchers heavily depend on ICTs hence the call to this important sector.
