Effective policy and decision making requires high quality evidence. The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI), as a partner within the national statistics system, is mandated to oversee the collection of statistics on science, technology and innovation.

Since 2002, the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators at the Human Sciences Research Council has performed research and experimental development (R&D) surveys and business innovation surveys for the DSI.*

Based on the recommended methodology outlined in the OECD’s Oslo Manual, an international best practice guide, surveys require a large and dedicated team of fieldworkers, information technologists, data analysts, and statisticians.

A vital national conversation

Business innovation survey to evaluate opportunities, barriers and challenges, Engineering News

Dr Glenda Kruss in conversation with Michael Avery (@Classic1027SA) about the results of the Business Innovation Survey, 2014 – 2016

Dr Glenda Kruss in conversation with Ayabonga Cawe (@PowerFM987) about the Business Innovation Survey

HSRC out to measure innovation levels in thousands of SA entities, Engineering News

Fostering innovation will put South Africa on a higher growth trajectory, Engineering News

Service industries in the crosshairs as SA launches innovation survey, Research Professional

Previous HSRC innovation survey reports

Innovation in the South African Informal Sector Survey – Baseline Survey in Sweetwaters, KwaZulu-Natal, 2017-2018

Innovation performance in South African commercial agriculture, forestry and fisheries businesses, 2016-2018: Results of a baseline survey with key national and sectoral trends

Innovation performance in South African businesses, 2014-2016: Activities, Outcomes, Enablers, Constraints

Innovation in the South African Manufacturing Sector, 2010-2012

Innovation in Selected South African Services Sectors, 2010-2012

Highlights of the Business Innovation Survey, 2005-2007

Full report of the Business Innovation Survey, 2005-2007

Main results of the South African Innovation Survey 2002-2004

Early efforts

South Africa’s innovation surveys stretch back to the early 1990s.

The first innovation survey covering the manufacturing sector and examining the period 1992-1994 was performed by the University of Cape Town in collaboration with the Foundation for Research Development (the predecessor to the National Research Foundation of South Africa).

The second survey (1998-2000) covered manufacturing and services, and was performed by the University of Pretoria and Eindhoven University.

Learn more

Measuring innovation in OECD and non-OECD countries

*Formerly Department of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and thereafter, Department of Science and Technology. Currently, Department of Science and Innovation.