Policy Research Study to Determine the Adoption and Integration of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) into Government Policies and Planning Frameworks

Abstract

Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is an important construct in South Africa’s policy discourse as illustrated in key national planning frameworks, such as the National Development Plan (NDP) and the 2019 White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). The White Paper focuses, amongst other things, on the use of STI to accelerate inclusive socio-economic growth and to ensure that all departments working in areas that affect STI are open to innovation uptake and that there is policy coherence across the national innovation system (NSI). The DSI has undertaken twelve (12) Innovation for Inclusive Development (IID) seminars in partnership with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) to inform and influence the uptake of demonstrated innovation and technologies by other sector departments. However, the integration of these technologies by various government departments in their policies and programmers is unknown. It was on this basis that the DSI and ASSAf commissioned Quantitative Evidence Research to conduct a policy research study to ascertain whether departments are responsive to STI and open to innovation uptake. The report shares recommendations based on policy document analysis and a survey of twelve (12) sector Departments.