The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) has welcomed the roll out of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine by government, which it says highlights the importance of a well-resourced science, technology and innovation system. “The country can safely store the vaccine, roll it out and monitor its implementation,” the department said. However, the department raised concerns about the declining investment in research and development (R&D), which remains vital amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The information is contained in the latest R&D Survey, undertaken annually on behalf of the DSI by the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) of the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), with support from Statistics South Africa (StatsSA).