Advancements in South African Science, Technology, and Innovation: Unveiling the 2023 STI Indicators Report - Cape Town Today
Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Advancements in South African Science, Technology, and Innovation: Unveiling the 2023 STI Indicators Report

2 mins read
s c

The Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Innovation in South Africa, Blade Nzimande, recently launched the 2023 Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Indicators Report. The report, commissioned by the Centre for STI Indicators under the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI), provides a comprehensive analysis of South Africa’s STI landscape. The report highlights both positive developments and critical challenges that must be addressed to build a resilient STI system and drive the nation’s growth and development agenda.

Aging Public University Staff

The report notes that there has been an increase in the proportion of staff over 60 years old in public universities from 7.3% in 2011 to 10.4% in 2020. This increase indicates that universities will lose about 10% of their permanent staff with doctoral qualifications due to retirement within the next five years. However, the Department of Higher Education and Training has implemented programs that have gradually closed the gender gap among academic staff. As a result, South Africa now has near parity in the proportions of male and female researchers.

Limited Success in Increasing STEM Graduates

Efforts to increase the number of graduates in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) have seen limited success. Despite numerous initiatives, the percentage of STEM graduates as a proportion of all graduates has remained unchanged over the past 12 years. However, there has been an increase in the production of black doctoral graduates in STEM fields since 2015. Additionally, the proportion of female doctoral graduates in STEM fields has surpassed that of male graduates.

Increased Research Collaborations and Scientific Output

South African scientists have increased their research collaborations with countries such as the USA, Germany, the UK, and Australia. The nation’s scientific publication output has also seen a significant rise, increasing from 3,693 in 2000 to 27,052 in 2021. However, South Africa’s world share of publications has plateaued at around 1% over the past five years.

Decrease in Gross Expenditure on Research and Development

Gross expenditure on research and development as a percentage of GDP (GERD/GDP ratio) has decreased from 0.76% in 2017/18 to 0.61% in 2020/21. Furthermore, business-sector expenditure on R&D has been on a declining trend over the past decade, demonstrating the sector’s dwindling capacity to attract foreign funding.

Researcher Employment Trends

Most South African researchers are based in the higher education sector (86.3% in 2020/21), while the business sector’s share of total researchers has declined from 15.2% in 2011/12 to 7.3% in 2020/21. Science councils have also experienced a downward spiral, with the number of researchers decreasing since 2017/18.

Addressing Challenges

Minister Nzimande highlighted the need for intensified support for young academic staff and organizational design changes in universities, such as creating more medical schools, engineering faculties, and larger science faculties. An example of such a change is the upcoming establishment of the new University of Science and Technology in Ekurhuleni, Johannesburg. The recently launched Decadal Plan for Science, Technology, and Innovation aims to tackle socio-economic challenges faced by South Africa by putting STI at the heart of the nation’s growth and development agenda.

The 2023 STI Indicators Report offers valuable insights into the state of South Africa’s science, technology, and innovation landscape. Through the Decadal Plan and ongoing collaboration between the government, private sector, and academic institutions, the country is poised to meet the challenges and harness the immense potential of its STI sector.

A Russian-Spanish journalist and Cape Town native, channels his lifelong passion for South Africa into captivating stories for his local blog. With a diverse background and 50 years of rich experiences, Serjio's unique voice resonates with readers seeking to explore Cape Town's vibrant culture. His love for the city shines through in every piece, making Serjio the go-to source for the latest in South African adventures.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Next Story

A New Leader for South Africa’s National Treasury

Latest from Blog

Woolworths and the Public Investment Corporation: A Strategic Stake in South Africa’s Retail Giant

The Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has made a bold move by buying a 20.248% share in Woolworths, making it the biggest owner of this beloved South African retail brand. This investment is not just about money; it aims to help Woolworths during tough times while supporting the country’s economy. Woolworths stores are known for their bright, welcoming atmosphere and highquality products, making shopping a pleasure. However, the company faces challenges, especially with its Country Road brand struggling financially. Despite these bumps in the road, PIC’s backing shows a strong belief in Woolworths’ potential to bounce back and thrive.

A New Chapter in Regional Peacekeeping: The Southern African Development Community’s Withdrawal from the DRC

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) is ending its military mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), marking a new chapter in peacekeeping. This shift shows that leaders now believe in using diplomacy and humanitarian efforts instead of just military force to create lasting peace. After a tough year with many casualties, including 14 soldiers, SADC leaders gathered to discuss their next steps. They are committed to supporting the DRC through peaceful solutions, recognizing that true stability comes from addressing the roots of conflict and working together for a brighter future.

Grappling with Nature: Cape Town’s Urgent Call for Preparedness Amid Escalating Weather Challenges

Cape Town is facing a tough winter with wild weather bringing chaos to the city. To stay safe, residents are urged to prepare by making emergency kits, clearing brush around their homes, and joining community workshops on disaster readiness. With a huge rise in weatherrelated incidents recently, everyone needs to pitch in—especially as powerful winds and fires threaten neighborhoods. By working together and using modern tools, Cape Town can better handle these fierce storms and protect its people.

Unveiling the Rising Threat: Rabies in Cape Fur Seals

Rabies is now a serious threat to Cape Fur Seals, once seen as graceful ocean dwellers. Symptoms like aggression, confusion, foaming at the mouth, and paralysis signal the deadly disease’s presence. A recent shocking video shows a seal acting strangely, raising alarms among scientists. This marks a new danger for marine life, as rabies usually affects land animals. To fight back, researchers are launching a campaign to understand and protect these seals, reminding us how fragile our ocean ecosystems can be.

A Community Shaken: The Assault at Wellington’s BP Garage

A terrible event shook the peaceful town of Wellington when a petrol attendant was violently attacked at the local BP garage. Two men jumped out of their car and, after a simple request to park properly, unleashed an awful assault on the worker. The shocking incident was caught on video, spreading outrage throughout the community and sparking calls for justice. Residents, outraged by the violence, are rallying together, demanding accountability and a safer environment. This incident serves as a painful reminder of the importance of respect and unity in their community.