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
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 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.
