R&D and Innovation Capabilities in State-Owned Enterprises

State-owned enterprises (SOEs) are important national assets with a mandate to contribute to sustainable economic growth and South Africa’s broad developmental goals. The White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (2019) recognises the importance of SOEs in the economy and the need to revitalise them to play a meaningful role in South Africa’s science, technology, innovation and economic development. As key institutions for human capital development and international and national knowledge sharing, the White Paper aimed to position SOEs as innovation-driven for the knowledge economy. But to what extent and how are South African state-owned enterprises geared to perform R&D and innovation?

Based on in-depth case study research with three SOEs—SANEDI, ATNS and SAFCOL—as well as analysis of the academic literature, the Human Sciences Research Council’s Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators identified dimensions key to effective R&D and innovation ‘gearing’ by these SOEs, including: human capabilities, technological capabilities, networks, research infrastructure and governance. From this research, indicators on R&D and innovation are proposed to guide national policy discussion on the future of SOEs in South Africa.

Working Paper 2a (February 2022): Gearing for R&D and Innovation in South African State-Owned Enterprises: Findings from Case Studies of ATNS, SANEDI and SAFCOL.

Working Paper 2b (February 2022): 2b: R&D and Innovation Capabilities in South African State-Owned Enterprises: The Case of the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI).

Working Paper 2c (February 2022): R&D and Innovation Capabilities in South African State-Owned Enterprises: The Case of Air Traffic & Navigation Services SOC Ltd.

Working Paper 2d (February 2022): 2d: R&D and Innovation Capabilities in South African State-Owned Enterprises: The Case of South African Forestry Company SOC Ltd (SAFCOL)

Programme – HSRC Policy Dialogue on R&D and Innovation in SOEs (11 October 2022)

In 2017/18, the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators delivered baseline research › on R&D levels in South African state-owned enterprises:

  • Mustapha, N., Kruss, G. & Ralphs, G. (2018) The future of state-owned enterprises in South Africa: why R&D matters