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Global Innovation Summit 2026

6 May 2026 | Basel, Switzerland

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michelle harding

Programme Manager

Council for Scientific and Industrial Research

Pretoria, South Africa

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I manage the Innovation Support and Enablement Programme on behalf of the South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation.

My organisation

“The objectives of the CSIR are, through directed and particularly multidisciplinary research and technological innovation, to foster, in the national interest and in fields which in its opinion should receive preference, industrial and scientific development, either by itself or in co-operation with principals from the private or public sectors, and thereby to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life of the people of the Republic, and to perform any other functions that may be assigned to the CSIR by or under this Act.”
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About me

Highly accomplished and results-driven Programme Manager and Innovation Leader with over 13 years of progressive experience in strategic development, project governance, and operational leadership across the national innovation ecosystem, research, and education sectors. Expertise in designing, implementing, and managing multi-pillar national programmes focused on innovation commercialisation, competency building, and data-driven policy formulation. Proven ability to lead and manage cross-functional teams, secure funding, implement complex digital platforms (e.g., Innovation Bridge Portal), and establish robust governance and financial oversight for large-scale projects. Dedicated to leveraging strong business acumen and strategic stakeholder engagement to drive organizational growth and deliver measurable benefits within the technology and entrepreneurship domains.

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