Page 15 - DUT Annual Report 2023

Sustainability
The separate sustainability statement provides highlights of what DUT does to foster sustainability. ENVISION2030 has three strategic objectives under this perspective, namely Distinctive Education, Financial Sustainability and Green Ecosystems.
Society
Everything we have presented has as its goal being able to ‘contribute towards improving the lives and livelihoods of our broader society’. It is a demonstration of a university engaged with itself and its peers nationally and internationally. This perspective is simply about what DUT bequeaths to society and what impact it makes. It comprises of three strategic objectives, namely, Engaged University, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Adaptive Graduates.
DUT retained its leading position in the university of technology (UoT) sector in terms of total research output units, according to the Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) Report on the Evaluation of the 2022 Universities’ Research Outputs issued in February 2024. We have not only remained in this position for several successive years but what is worth celebrating is the steady progress we have been making in cutting-edge research aimed at addressing societal challenges, leading
to us surpassing some traditional universities in terms of research output units. In this respect, DUT is ranked 9th in South Africa out of 26 universities.
It is also worth mentioning that DUT’s recognition in research and innovation transcends our national shores. We have been ranked in the 151–200th range in the Young University Rankings 2023 by the Times Higher Education (THE). This achievement is evidence of DUT’s commitment to excellence and innovation. The DUT has also been rated among the top 13 universities of Sub-Saharan Africa by THE World University Rankings, not to mention its worldwide recognition. The DUT’s reputation as a leading institution in Africa continues to be reinforced by this achievement. These rankings affirm DUT’s dedication to academic excellence, research prowess, and its impactful contributions to addressing contemporary global challenges.
Innobiz, our Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation and its constituent facilities, promotes innovation and entrepreneurship. Through its comprehensive support services, Innobiz serves as a hub that nurtures student businesses including alumni ventures. Through various awareness campaigns, workshops, exposure opportunities, and training provided by Innobiz, more than 3 600 students were introduced to business know- how.
DUT ANNUAL REPORT 2023
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