Nzimande Calls for Summit to Drive Transformation in National Innovation System

The STI Indicators Report shows promising trends, with university enrolments in South Africa rising by 12% between 2012 and 2021, and a 41% increase in the number of graduates.

Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister, Professor Blade Nzimande, has urged the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) to convene a summit focused on accelerating transformation within South Africa’s national system of innovation (NSI). This call to action was made during the launch of the 2024 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report in Pretoria.

Despite progress highlighted in the report, including increases in the numbers of women and Black academic staff at higher education institutions, Minister Nzimande emphasized the need for further advancements. He pointed out that significant barriers still exist in achieving a fully transformed innovation system that reflects South Africa’s diverse demographics in terms of race, class, and gender.

"We must recognize the ongoing challenges in transforming our STI landscape," Nzimande stated. "Our NSI must truly reflect the demographics of our nation."

The STI Indicators Report shows promising trends, with university enrolments in South Africa rising by 12% between 2012 and 2021, and a 41% increase in the number of graduates. Representation of Black African academic staff reached 43%, indicating substantial progress in gender and racial equity. Scientific publications also saw a dramatic rise, from 3,693 in 2000 to 27,208 in 2022, securing South Africa a one percent share of global output. Additionally, diversity among authors improved significantly, with women authors increasing from 32% in 2005 to 45% in 2022, and Black academics' contributions growing from under 15% to over 52%.

The Minister stressed that transforming the NSI is not just about representation but ensuring that the benefits of innovation are equitably shared across society. He highlighted the importance of improving access to science and technology education for young people from working-class and poor backgrounds, enabling them to become future scientists and innovators.

Nzimande also praised the government’s commitment to building a more inclusive scientific community, as evidenced by the positive trends in university enrolments, graduates, and the growing representation of women and Black African academic staff. The National Research Foundation, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, reported that 38% of South Africa’s 4,212 rated researchers are Black South Africans, reflecting ongoing efforts to transform the research landscape.

The 2024 STI report, titled “Measuring Science, Technology, and Innovation to Guide Their Contribution to Socio-Economic Development,” outlines South Africa’s advancements and the challenges that remain. Commissioned by NACI, the report provides critical data and insights to inform government policy decisions aimed at enhancing the country’s STI landscape.

Key achievements highlighted in the report include South Africa’s investment of R2.4 billion in national research infrastructure and R1.2 billion in the National Equipment Programme, which have strengthened research capabilities across the country. The nation’s e-Government Development Index improved significantly, with its global ranking rising from 101 to 65 out of 193 countries, reflecting progress in digital inclusion. Additionally, manufacturing exports grew by 11.7% between 2021 and 2022, with strong growth in medium and high technology (MHT) exports.

However, the report also identified ongoing challenges, such as low research and development (R&D) intensity, declining international patent applications, and reduced venture capital investment. Patenting activity has notably declined, with domestic patents granted dropping from 694 in 2019 to 513 in 2022, and patent applications abroad falling from 1,457 in 2020 to 968 in 2022. Patents granted by the European Patent Office also decreased, while there was a slight increase in those granted by the US Patent and Trademark Office.

"As we move forward, it is imperative that we make targeted and sustainable policy, institutional, and resource interventions to address the challenges identified in the 2024 STI Indicators Report," Nzimande stated. "Our goal is to place science, technology, and innovation at the core of South Africa's national development agenda."

Dr. Mlungisi Cele, CEO of NACI, echoed the Minister's sentiments, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to tackle these challenges and continue the transformation of South Africa’s NSI.