Assessment of the technological and innovation capabilities in the iron and steel sector in Zimbabwe: Imperatives towards developing an innovation driven beneficiation framework

Abstract

This study assessed the current technological and innovation capabilities of the companies in the iron and steel sector in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a case study based qualitative survey to analyze the current technological and innovation capabilities, and the key technological and innovation trends and drivers within the iron and steel industry in Zimbabwe. In addition, the study also evaluated the critical success factors to the current technological and innovation management strategies, and the technological and innovation capabilities measurement metrics currently being adopted by the companies in the iron and steel sector. Finally, the study analyzed the technological and innovation gaps and proposed recommendations for integrating the sector into the broader beneficiation framework in Zimbabwe. The study focused on the key companies in the iron and steel sector in Zimbabwe. Key informants and industry experts were selected from key policy making and regulatory authorities, academia, and other related support institutions. In addition, the performance of the local companies to regional counterparts was bench-marked based on the questionnaire that was distributed to technical professionals in the region. A questionnaire soliciting for the general information and demographics, technological capabilities, innovation activities, innovation capabilities, technological and innovation capabilities measurement metrics, creativity and skills, and general questions on the level of value added processing of iron and steel products and raw materials was distributed to the respondents. Key informants interviews were applied to gather information policy making and regulatory authorities, academia, and other related support institutions. ii The study showed only a marginal number of that the companies in the iron and steel sector possessed the requisite technological and innovation capabilities necessary to drive competitiveness. In addition, the study revealed some value chain gaps within the iron and steel sector, and the constraints to the value chain utilization. The results also show that the companies were applying balanced measurement metrics, based on both financial and non-financial measurement metrics, to benchmark their technological and innovation capabilities