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**After more than 30 years of democracy, science must better serve the majority’s needs**
South Africa’s science, technology and innovation policy stands at a critical juncture, with both significant challenges and emerging opportunities, according to a roundtable of policy experts.
The roundtable was organised as part of a four-day conference to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of Stellenbosch University’s Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology.
The panellists were invited to reflect on the state of science, technology and innovation policymaking in South Africa today.
Mlungisi Cele, acting chief executive of the National Advisory Council of Innovation, emphasised that science and technology must move from the periphery to “the epicentre of national development” if South Africa is to address its persistent socioeconomic challenges.
“No policy can be made without technological considerations,” Cele said, advocating for a whole-of-government approach to STI policy. He highlighted ongoing initiatives, including a presidential plenary on science, technology and innovation held earlier this year.
**Major disconnects**
University of Cape Town economist David Kaplan painted a more sobering picture, noting South Africa’s declining position in the Global Innovation Index and a troubling decrease in the number of manufactured products.
“South African businesses are spending less on R&D,” Kaplan said, though he pointed to a “vibrant startup economy” as a positive sign. He emphasised that the country’s democratic foundation, despite occasional dysfunction, creates fertile ground for innovation alongside its educational institutions and infrastructure.
Michael Kahn, an STI policy analyst based at Stellenbosch University, acknowledged “pockets of excellence” and praised South Africa’s diverse biomedical system. However, he highlighted a major disconnect between academia and industry, and called for increased funding for use-oriented basic research.
He also criticised South Africa’s National Treasury as “one of the most conservative treasuries on the planet”, suggesting it impedes innovation investment.
**Captured dreams**
David Walwyn from the school of technology management at the University of Pretoria called for a reconsideration of the country’s National System of Innovation theory to better account for political economy factors.
He characterised the current moment as a period of transition following what he described as “15 years of stomping on your dreams” during South Africa’s era of state capture, when government resources were looted by politically connected domestic and foreign actors.
Cele concluded by acknowledging communication challenges between STI policymakers and economic decision-makers. “We can’t engage competently with people responsible for industrialisation,” he admitted, noting that his ministry is working to develop a common language with finance officials.
Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism about creating “an educated and science-literate society” through initiatives like the Presidential PhD Programme, which he noted still has some way to go to hit its R1 billion funding target.
_The Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology supported our journalist__’__s attendance at this conference._