Bridging the gap between business and academia: A Conversation with Eugene Cloete

Professor Eugene Cloete, the Chief Executive Officer of the Cape Higher Education Consortium (CHEC), has taken up the mantle of bridging the gap between business and academia to foster growth, development and collaboration between the two domains.

CHEC is a dynamic collaboration of four prominent universities in the Western Cape to build capacity through the Higher Education Leadership Academy, focusing on academics, especially those in leadership positions.

Prof Cloete, who is also spearheading the Portfolio Committee on Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Cape Chamber, said he envisions a future where academia, industry, and government unite to tackle pressing issues.

"The vision is to bring these stakeholders together, aligning academia's research capabilities with business's practicality," said Prof Cloete.

"It's about identifying solutions to real-world problems and driving the province forward," he emphasizes.

Last week, the third Biennial Postdoctoral Research Conference for Africa was hosted at the Biomedical Research Institute, Stellenbosch University, CHEC led proceedings with academics and business leaders under one roof looking in a bid to confront the challenges of Public Health, Green Transition as well as Innovation & Tech.

"I am looking forward to seeing collaboration in addressing the pressing issues on sustainable energy, water management, job creation and crime reduction," said Eugene.

"Additionally, logistics, including improving transport and harbor facilities, is vital if we want to make this province the financial hub of Africa," he added.