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Business Marketing and Extension Department
This department is responsible for business development and undertakes studies to determine feasibility of new product ideas and markets RIPCO (B) products and services. The department also commercializes R & D results through the Technology Transfer Unit (TTU) by subcontracting manufacturing to local engineering workshops which meet selection criteria. It is also responsible for intellectual property matters. It undertakes business incubation projects to empower Batswana to undertake commercially viable projects.
In addition, the department provides a vital link between RIPCO (B) and its clients nationwide through the Regional Extension programme. Extension programme is responsible for dissemination of information on RIIC’s technological breakthroughs through different form such as public assemblies (Kgotla meetings); farmers’ associations/field days; extension networks and other relevant channels. In addition, the program identifies new ideas for product development and prospective candidates for the village skill training programme during their regional trips.
The department coordinates the Centre for Entrepreneurial Training (CET) previously the Village Skills Training Programme (VSTP) which provides vocational training geared to increasing productivity in the informal sector of the economy through its eight sectored areas: bakery, sewing and patchwork, fabric printing and dyeing, carpentry, blacksmith, tanning, leatherwork, and business management
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