Working Groups

Structure How Working Groups Operate

Working Groups are the Forum's primary delivery mechanism. Each focuses on a specific sector or cross-cutting theme, led by a chairperson, reporting to the Governance Board, and reviewed annually at the National Conference.

Industry-Led Execution

Each group is chaired and driven by active industry practitioners who set priorities and marshal resources.

Cross-Chapter Membership

Members from any chapter — Corporate, Start-ups, Academic, or Professionals — can participate in any working group.

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Annual Deliverable Targets

Each group commits to measurable deliverables reviewed at the annual National Conference cycle.

Board-Level Accountability

The Governance Board oversees resource allocation, performance, and strategic alignment across all groups.

Groups 10 Permanent Working Groups

Each group targets a specific sector or cross-cutting theme critical to Ekurhuleni's STI transformation.

WKG 1

Business STI-Funding & R&D Investment

Mobilising private sector R&D investment and STI funding mechanisms

R&D investment frameworks
Funding pipeline coordination
Corporate STI spending benchmarks
DFI engagement strategy

Corporate Start-ups

WKG 2

High-Tech Industries & Smart Manufacturing

4IR manufacturing, automation, and industrial technology adoption

Industry 4.0 readiness assessment
Smart factory pilot programme
Manufacturing skills pipeline
Technology transfer frameworks

Corporate Start-ups Academic

WKG 3

Hydrogen Energy

Green hydrogen production, storage, and commercialisation

Hydrogen economy roadmap
Pilot plant coordination
Export market development
Skills development plan

Corporate Academic

WKG 4

Integrated Work-Academic Learning

Bridging education and employment through structured dual learning

Dual education model design
Employer partnership frameworks
Student placement coordination
Curriculum modernisation

Corporate Academic Professionals

WKG 5

AI & Emerging Technologies

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and frontier tech

AI adoption readiness index
Ethical AI frameworks
Startup acceleration programme
Research-to-market pipeline

Corporate Start-ups Academic Professionals

WKG 6

Aerospace & Aviation

Aerospace manufacturing, aviation services, and related technology

OR Tambo aerotropolis integration
Aerospace supply chain mapping
Skills pipeline for aviation
International partnership development

Corporate Academic

WKG 7

Logistics & Transport

Supply chain, freight, mobility, and transport infrastructure

Logistics efficiency benchmarking
Midfield cargo terminal integration
Transport technology adoption
Last-mile innovation

Corporate Start-ups

WKG 8

Startup Development

Startup ecosystem building, incubation, and scaling

Startup support programmes
Venture capital access facilitation
Mentor matching platform
Market access through B2B marketplace

Start-ups Corporate

WKG 9

Digital Health

Digital health solutions, medtech, and health innovation

Digital health standards framework
Medtech startup acceleration
Hospital-innovation partnerships
Health data governance

Corporate Start-ups Academic

WKG 10

University Planning

Strategic planning for the Ekurhuleni University of Applied Science & Innovation

University establishment roadmap
Stakeholder engagement plan
Curriculum framework design
Infrastructure requirements

Academic Corporate Professionals

Governance Working Group Governance

A clear accountability framework ensures each working group delivers on its mandate while remaining aligned to the Forum's strategic objectives.

Each working group has a chairperson, appointed by the Governance Board, who is accountable for deliverables and stakeholder engagement.
Groups are reviewed and may be amended annually at the National Conference, ensuring relevance to evolving industry priorities.
The Governance Board provides strategic oversight, resource allocation, and conflict resolution across all 10 groups.
Members from any chapter — Corporate, Start-ups, Academic, or Professionals — can participate in any working group, encouraging cross-sector collaboration.