SCIENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA
The South African National System of Innovation (NSI) is a dynamic framework comprising multiple intersecting sectors and functions, all operating within a significant international context. This system is designed to foster innovation and scientific advancement across various domains.
NATIONAL SECTORS
- Department of Science and Innovation (DSI): The DSI plays a pivotal role in overseeing the resourcing and management of public NSI institutions. It is responsible for setting strategic priorities for science and technology (S&T) and ensuring the effective implementation of innovation policies.
- Department of Education and Higher Education institutions: These entities are crucial for nurturing high-level human capital and generating new core knowledge. They provide the educational foundation and research capabilities needed to drive innovation and address societal challenges.
- Government departments: Various departments such as Trade, Industry, Minerals and Energy, Environmental Affairs, Tourism, Agriculture, Water and Sanitation, and Health, among others, are involved in funding and performing research and development (R&D). They focus on core public sector functions including agriculture, health, energy, environmental management, and the promotion of innovation within industry.
- Business sector: This sector includes both private enterprises and state-owned entities like Eskom. It is where research and development translate into practical innovations and technological advancements, driving economic growth and development.
- Non-governmental organisations (NGOs): NGOs contribute to R&D efforts, particularly in areas of high public interest such as social issues and environmental concerns. They often step in to address market failures and promote research in underserved areas.
Explore Further
To learn more about the diverse science, technology, and innovation institutions in South Africa, and to understand their contributions to the NSI, view our comprehensive list of institutions.
FOUR S&T FUNCTIONS
Policy formulation and advice: This function is primarily managed by the relevant ministries and departments, including the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The DSI plays a crucial role in coordinating and overseeing policy initiatives and is involved in several new efforts to enhance coordination within the National System of Innovation (NSI). Various advisory bodies contribute to this process, ranging from statutory to additional and self-initiated roles. Notably, only the Council on Higher Education and the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) have statutory ministerial advisory functions.
Funding: Funding for science and technology is managed by a diverse array of agencies, divided between directed funding and support for self-initiated research through open calls. The National Research Foundation (NRF) and the Medical Research Council (MRC) are key players in providing funding for self-initiated research. In recent years, there has been a shift from performance-based block funding to competitive and directed funding. This trend aligns with global practices aimed at enhancing the relevance and impact of innovation systems.
Performance: Performance functions are distributed across various entities, including higher education institutions (HEIs), public research institutions (PRIs), and the business sector. PRIs in South Africa operate similarly to their counterparts in other countries, conducting research and development (R&D) based on a defined mandate and using a mixed income model, which includes both government core grants and contract research income.
International relations in S&T: Since the end of apartheid in 1994, a key strategic priority for South Africa has been to normalise and enhance international scientific relations after a period of relative isolation. The DSI has been instrumental in advancing this objective, ensuring that improved international engagement is integrated throughout the NSI.