How do publicly-funded institutions contribute to sustainable socio-economic development? Validated for 1.1 CPD credits. ECSA & SACNASP |
The key question is: How do research, development and innovation (RDI) in public sector institutions contribute to sustainable socio-economic growth in South Africa (SA)?
SA is in a dire situation. Some of the factors that have contributed to the situation include corruption (poor governance), crime, disasters (COVID-19), poor market exchange and climate change impacts. Poverty is severe and politics are turbulent. According to Statistics SA the official unemployment rate is 32,9% (The 16 May 2023 Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS): “the number of employed persons increased by 258 000 to 16,2 million in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the fourth quarter of 2022).
The social effects of the economic crisis are cumulative, leading to growing crime, poverty and domestic violence. Under these circumstances, it is hard for small businesses to be started and to survive, thereby killing the hope that small businesses will grow the economy and employment as envisaged by the National Development Plan (NDP).
Questions and considerations: Scientists and related professionals from various disciplines and stakeholders are invited to participate in discussing the following questions or themes:
1. What work do the publicly funded research institutions in SA do to contribute to generating or improving industries in SA?
2. What do these research institutions in SA do to generate small businesses?
3. What do they do to contribute to sustainable development in SA?
4. What role do these institutions play in developing the skills pipeline essential for the above-mentioned areas?
Envisaged outcomes: To formulate recommendations on …
a. Funding for public research institutions – what areas are in critical need of funding?
b. What should the public and decision makers know about SA’s publicly funded research institutions? i.e. what are the critical roles they play?