$ 6. 5 MILLION TO BOOST CSIR REASERCH ACTIVITIES

An amount of $6.5 million has been earmarked for the Center for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) to assist its institutions to commercial its research findings. The Institutions are Food Research Institute and the Institute of Industrial Research.

Mr. J. E. Afful, Minister of Environment, Science and technology announced this during a familiarization tour of some of institutions under the CSIR. He said the commercialization of the research findings of the CSIR is meant to enhance its capacity building. "The government expects the CSIR and its institutions to have the end-user in view in the conception and formulation of research proposals, " he pointed out.

The minister impressed on the CSIR to move from supply-driven to demand-driven research and to forge a strong linkage with the private sector, especially the small and medium scale enterprises.

He commended the CSIR for its tremendous contribution in the area of agriculture, building and the forestry sectors. Mr. A full asked the CSIR to translate the technologies developed in these fields to a level of world competitioness to support the export sector. On his part professor W. A Alhassan, Director-General of the CSIR expressed concern about the inadequate financing of his outfit in its operations. H e therefore called for the release of seed money to the CSIR for its commercialization venture.

Prof Alhassan also called on the government to endeavour to honour all dues owed to international bodies the institute is affiliated to since the CSIR derives considerable benefits from such affiliations.