The Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) is pioneering an initiative to coordinate engaged research within South Africa’s National System of Innovation (NSI). The project, titled “Mainstreaming Engaged Research in the NSI” and funded by the National Research Foundation (NRF), leverages stakeholder mapping as a crucial tool to identify and analyse key roleplayers in engaged research.
Author: Yoliswa Sikhosana
The primary objective of this mapping activity is to create a community of practice by identifying key actors in the engaged research space. This initiative will deepen the understanding of the experiences and priorities of local engaged research champions, broaden participation, and facilitate knowledge transfer. By mapping policymakers, researchers, academics, civil society organisations, practitioners, private sector entities and donors, the project seeks to build a robust network that supports the exchange of research practices and fosters new collaborations.
The mapping process involves identifying individuals and organisations, understanding the nature and sector of their work, and recognising their funding sources through a carefully designed protocol. Data collection methods include compiling lists of relevant NSI entities, employing snowballing techniques, conducting desktop searches, and administering online surveys to gather comprehensive information on engaged research activities.
The outcome of this meticulous mapping effort will be a comprehensive database and an interactive online stakeholder map hosted on the Kumu platform. These tools will serve as useful resources for visualising and navigating the engaged research landscape in South Africa, ultimately contributing to the project’s goal of integrating and scaling engaged research practices across the country.
