RAPDASA (Rapid Product Development Association of South Africa) was officially launched during the first annual international conference, held in 2000 at the CSIR, following a number of meetings held nationally, to establish a community of practice. RAPDASA embraces the complete product development value chain (starting from idea/concept, to design, prototype development into manufacturing and commercialization). RAPDASA aims to become a government-recognized activity or industry cluster/group, as it currently creates strategic links between academia, science councils and industry. It was started by volunteers, and is still being driven by individuals with a passion for innovative product development.