1. National Systems of Innovation and Innovation Policy Effectiveness in Africa

Since the mid-1990s many african countries have adopted and are using the concept of National Systems of Innovation (NSI) in designing and governing their science, technology and innovation (STI) policy processes and frameworks.

The NSI concept which was initially developed and applied in industrialised economies, particularly in countries of the Organization Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), is gaining currency in Africa in both academic research and public policy circles. However, its relevance and applicability in African contexts have not been adequately researched.

• Identifying and analysing factors that are influencing African countries’ adoption and application of the NSI concept framework;
• Developing methodological tools and analytical frameworks for assessing the dynamism of African NSI and STI policy;
• Assessing the effectiveness of national STI policy frameworks and proposing specific measures to improve the quality of STI policy processes and related outcomes; and
• Studying drivers of and barriers to regional integration of African NSI in Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East African Community (EAC).

Political economy of science, technology and innovation policy: The development and implementation of science, technology and innovation (STI) policies is a complex process that involves many state and non-state actors with many interests. There are many political economy factors influence STI policy. Understanding these factors is critical to ensuring the effectiveness of STI policy.

• Developing a conceptual framework for studying or analyzing the political economy of STI policy-making in African contexts or countries.
• Using case studies, analyzing factors that influence the effectiveness of different national STI policy frameworks and instruments.
• Conducting comparative studies to understand why certain countries’ STI policies work or fail.

Study Leader

2. Innovation Policy for Sustainability Transitions

New approaches to innovation management and policy are crucial to achieving the necessary, indeed vital, transitions in socio-technical systems from their present reliance on non-sustainable practices to more progressive systems which can ensure the achievement of global goals in respect of development, the environment and sustainable development goals (SDGs) are met.

The focus of this research area is to:

• Develop new frameworks for research and innovation management which link to active policy processes and assist in improving the social return on research expenditure, especially public expenditure.
• Apply the approaches of technological innovation systems and the multi-level perspective in order to define new approaches to the development of sustainable innovation systems in South Africa, especially those systems pertaining to the hydrogen economy and renewable energy.
• Develop and use techno-economic models for energy systems in order to inform new innovation policies.
• Apply the approach of technological innovation systems as a means of identifying critical barriers to the development of new innovation systems in South Africa, especially those systems pertaining to the green economy.

Study Leader