RAPDASA – A vehicle for product development technology diffusion in South Africa

Abstract

The ability to design and develop new products is generally accepted as a strong enabler for improving the competitiveness of a country’s manufacturing industry. This paper describes the establishment and evolution of the Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa (RAPDASA) as representative body of the technical service providers and researchers in the product development field in the country. RAPDASA is affiliated to the Global Alliance of Rapid Prototyping Associations (GARPA), which also positions it very well in the global arena. The growth of this association from an initiative of a few government supported institutions into a powerful vehicle for technology transfer and diffusion into the private industry is described. The facilitating role that it is playing as an independent organisation in stimulating and improving the level of communication and interaction between the users of technology and the technology providers is discussed. The paper also highlights the effect that international affiliation had on establishing a credible nationally inclusive association. Reference is made to the value of the annual international RAPDASA conference and the utilisation of an internet portal, productdevelopment.co.za, in providing information on the product development process, as well as direct access to expertise and resources supporting competitive product development in South Africa