Page 26 - DUT 2025 Engagement Report Q1

6. CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES
The lack of funding presents a significant challenge in supporting key innovation programmes such as the Innovator Builder Fund, Technology Development Fund, and Alumni Builder Fund. To address these challenges, collaboration and partnerships remain a priority. DUT is actively establishing new partnerships and nurturing existing relationships to access critical resources, sector-specific expertise, and industry networks that support incubated businesses. Expanding international collaborations, increasing funding avenues, and broadening student and faculty exchange programs present additional opportunities for growth.
Attracting post-graduate students remains a key challenge. A decline in NRF-funded bursaries has reduced the number of students pursuing higher degrees, limiting the universities’ ability to develop skilled professionals in critical fields. Additionally, societal engagement demands significant time and effort, but limited staffing and resources present obstacles to driving public awareness and engagement effectively. Durban, like the rest of the country, continues to face significant challenges in water and wastewater management, but we have remained at the forefront of efforts to address these challenges through research and public information dissemination about tap and beach water quality.
Community engagement presents both challenges and opportunities. Strengthening partnerships with faculties, departments, and social partners can enhance the effectiveness of outreach initiatives by providing additional resources and expertise. Leveraging technology for remote engagement, such as online workshops, and remote learning support, can increase accessibility for communities in remote regions. Furthermore, tracking and measuring the long-term impact of community engagement initiatives remains a challenge, necessitating the development of effective assessment methods to evaluate the success of these projects over time.
Broader challenges across the university include aligning the timing of community outreach projects with the academic calendar, and aligning academic projects with industry requirements and expectations. Ensuring that student projects meet both academic
standards and practical industry needs requires careful coordination and ongoing engagement. Maximizing opportunities for networking and engagement by attending public lectures, workshops, and events involving industry representatives and prominent figures is essential. Despite successful community outreach initiatives, sustaining engagement and measuring their long-term impact remains a challenge, requiring ongoing effort and resources.
Opportunities, as noted in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarter reports of 2024, include ongoing collaboration with community and sector stakeholders, which can provide more integrated solutions to industry challenges and community needs. Increasing integration of community engagement with teaching and learning can help build capacity for successful future outreach initiatives. Renewed requests for collaboration and engagement in 2025, stemming from positive outcomes in 2024, have led to enhanced collaborative networks and real-world learning opportunities. Building on the success of existing community outreach programmes to include more communities and address a broader range of social issues can amplify the impact of the university’s engagement efforts.
By addressing these challenges and capitalizing on available opportunities, DUT can continue to strengthen its role as a driver of innovation, entrepreneurship, and community development. Through strategic partnerships, improved resource allocation, and expanded outreach efforts, the university remains committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities it serves while advancing its mission of engaged scholarship.
24DURBAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY