William Blankley

The Changing Face of South Africa's National System of Innovation, 1991–2001

The article examines changes in the South African national system of innovation (NSI) since the onset of democracy in 1994. In particular, the recently completed 2001/02 Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D) is used to quantify the shifts in R&D activity for the major business, government and higher education players. The major flows of R&D expenditure are found to be within rather than between firms. Interaction between higher education and firms is encouraged by agency funding and is increasing from a relatively low base. The NSI itself has remained stable over the transition to democracy, with small shifts in research emphasis and no apparent major loss of capacity. There are, however, warning signs that the lack of availability of high-level skills may limit its further growth. There is evidence that the NSI has the potential to respond to the designated thrusts of the national R&D strategy.

South African Strategies for the Promotion of Research and Technology Innovation: Towards Effective Collaboration and New Business Development

South Africas new government has intensified certain existing initiatives and introduced various new wide-ranging policies, legislation and support measures to develop skilled human resources in science, engineering and technology. Other policies and measures have been introduced to increase collaboration in research and technology development between higher education institutions, industry and government to promote and support a National System of Innovation as envisioned by the Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology. Newly created institutions such as the National Advisory Council on Innovation and the National Research Foundation will guide, promote and support research and innovation with an emphasis on collaboration and technology development. Joint ventures such as the Technology for Human Resources for Industry Project and the Support Programme for Industrial Innovation provide valuable incentives for industry to engage in innovation and technology development projects. Specific initiatives have been developed by the South African Department of Trade and Industry to support the development of small, medium-sized and micro-scale enterprises. However, gaps still exist in the system, such as the absence of a ‘classic’ venture capital industry and the lack of proper incubation support for young entrepreneurs and new technology-based businesses. These and other gaps are being filled by new initiatives from both government and the private sector, often with the involvement of specialists from higher education institutions. The rich mix of policies, programmes and initiatives in place now needs to be carefully monitored and integrated and persistently and skillfully implemented.