The 2009 - 2014 Medium Term Strategic Framework (MTSF) seeks to build on the current strategies and programmes already supporting innovation and research and development in the private and public sectors. The MTSF identifies technology innovation as one of the critical policy areas required to speed up growth and transform the economy to create decent work and sustainable livelihoods. During the current reporting period, the MTSF, the 2002 NRDS and the 2007 Ten-Year Innovation Plan (TYIP) guided and informed the strategic priorities of the Department. Furthermore, the 2007 National Industrial Policy Framework assisted the Department in identifying research, development and innovation activities that were needed to grow and increase the competitiveness of strategic economic sectors. In this context, the continued implementation of the TYIP is crucial. The objective of keeping South Africa on par with global technology trends will be realised by further developing and/or implementing the following actions: