Associations
CHEMICALS SECTOR RESHAPING
TOWARDS INNOVATION AS A NECESSITY
By Yershen Pillay , chief executive officer of CHIETA
In the modern age , ‘ disruption ’ has been defined as ‘ radical change to an existing industry or market due to technological innovation ’.
CHIETA
CHIETA CEO , Yershen Pillay
With the advent of
Industry 4.0 , we have seen this termed ‘ digital disruption ’. However , the dawn of the COVID-19 pandemic has turned disruption on its head . We are not just innovating for competitive advantage ; we are innovating for survival . This latest disruption , which necessitates technological innovation , has given us the opportunity to reshape the chemicals sector .
Across industries we have seen new ways to coordinate , collaborate and communicate which have been dominated by technology . Innovation today is characterised by the collaboration between increasingly powerful machinery and digital technology and the unique creative potential of the human being .
And while the rat race has been focusing on investing in the latest and greatest technological innovation , it is our investment in the human being which must now be our focus .
THE SILVER LINING OF DISRUPTION The chemicals industry , like any other , has seen a re-imagining of work , workforces and workplaces . It has been the fifth hardest hit industry globally due to supply chain challenges , oil price fluctuations , and de-globalisation amongst others . However , this disruption has also primed us for new business models , new partnerships , and a new approach to problem-solving . What this means is that there is a silver lining to this disruption .
We have the chance to renew our focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals such as economic growth ( goal 8 ), responsible consumption and production ( goal 12 ), climate action ( goal 13 ), and industry , innovation , and infrastructure ( goal 9 ). To achieve these goals , we need to ensure we have the skills to take advantage of new opportunities , to continue driving innovation , and to be truly globally competitive .
AT THE HEART OF INNOVATION , IS EDUCATION We cannot expect to meet the demands of the new world order without investing in our people . Sector Education Training Authorities such as CHIETA have the responsibility to assess the rising skills demands and set plans into action to address these demands . I believe that filling tomorrow ’ s skills deficit starts with STEM ( science , technology , engineering , math ) education , today .
At CHIETA , we have increased our focus on STEM education initiatives with the goal of developing the next generation of problem solvers , critical thinkers , and innovative leaders for the chemical industries . For example , we have plans to ensure that every corner of the country has a fully automated SMART Skills Centre by 2025 .
These centres will include spaces for training to be conducted in augmented reality ( AR ) and virtual reality ( VR ). The first of these is already in the works in the Saldanha Bay Industrial Development Zone . The centre , which will focus on basic digital skills , is aimed at addressing the digital skills divide in the district and at helping surrounding businesses and rural community members to learn technology-related skills .
We are also leading the way with new and innovative skills programmes such as our recently launched robotics programme in partnership with the South West Gauteng TVET College .
For school-level youth , our ‘ Beyond 4.0 STEM ’ initiative is designed to ignite curiosity , foster innovation , and create a climate in which the youth can see themselves as future leaders .
By partnering with our Skills Development Providers ( SDPs ), we want to equip South Africans with the important skills they will need to take advantage of our rapidly changing landscape . If we see disruption through the lens of opportunity , we have the power to reshape the industry towards sustainable economic development .
ABOUT CHIETA The Chemical Industries Education and Training Authority ( CHIETA ) is a statutory body that was established by the Skills Development Act in 1998 . CHIETA ’ s role in the sector , is to facilitate skills development as well as to ensure that skills needs are identified and addressed through various training initiatives in the chemical and manufacturing industries . RACA
www . hvacronline . co . za RACA Journal I May 2022 13