Research and Innovation background
South Africa’s research and innovation (R&I) strategy is shaped by several key documents which guide national objectives for science, technology, and sustainable development:
- White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation: This document outlines the objectives for R&D and the measures that will be put in place to achieve these goals. It aims to increase diversity and accessibility in the R&D sector, improve higher education output and upgrade the research infrastructure.
- National Development Plan 2030 (NDP 2030): Our future – make it work: The aim of the National Development Plan is to eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 by developing a strategic framework to guide key choices and actions on a range of interlinked issues.
- National Land Transport Strategic Framework (2023-2029): A five-year framework emphasising integration between land use and transport planning. It provides guiding principles that integrate various modes of land transport within the planning context of the NDP. It also provides clarity about the transport planning priorities to enable effective decision-making at all levels of government.
- White Paper on National Transport Policy: This document sets out the objectives and measures to ensure that the transport system provides equitable and reliable access for all in an economically and environmentally sustainable manner to advance inclusive growth and competitiveness of the country.
- Green Transport Strategy for South Africa 2018-2050: This planning document lays out the detailed framework for developing a transport system that has reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact while still maintaining quality service and accessibility. To achieve the objectives, transport research will be based upon priority areas such as electric vehicle batteries, biofuels and fuel cells.
Institutional framework of transport research
Research and innovation in South Africa is coordinated by several government bodies and institutions.
- Department of Science and Innovation : Oversees R&I policy implementation, establishing national priorities and funding research initiatives.
- Department of Transport: Responsible for creating transport policy which is incorporated into transport planning documents. It contributes to the transport research agenda by establishing areas of interest.
- National Research Foundation (NRF): The main funding agency in South Africa for R&I supporting infrastructure. The NRF is a statutory body which funds research, development of high-end human capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields. The goal of the NRF is to create innovative funding instruments, advance research career development, increase public science engagement and to establish leading-edge research platforms that will transform the scientific landscape and inspire a representative research community to aspire to global competitiveness. The NRF promotes South African research interests across the country and internationally, and builds communications between research institutions, business, industry and international partners.
The main areas of transport research in South Africa are:
- Public transport in urban areas
- Traffic safety (road primarily)
- Efficient and integrated transport infrastructure network including rural areas
- Interoperability and harmonisation of transport infrastructure also in relation to neighbouring countries
- Transport modelling (general and freight related)
- Improving port efficiency and capacity
- Greening transport (all aspects of transport related environmental impacts)
- Electric vehicles and less energy intensive technologies
- Moving freight from road to rail
- Asset management in transport
- Transport economics (implementing the user pays principle)
- Transport and economic development
- Labour-enhanced construction of transport infrastructure
- Pavement engineering
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Multiple programmes in South Africa provide funding for research and development, focusing on both national objectives and international cooperation:
- Department of Science and Innovation: Provides funding for transport and other research through various national programs, aiming to foster innovative solutions in key research areas.
- National Research Foundation (NRF): Offers grants across multiple disciplines, with a mandate to promote scientific excellence and collaboration.
- ESASTAP: This programme was launched during the Sixth European Union Framework Programme to promote, facilitate and coordinate research, development and innovation (RDI) cooperation between South Africa and the European Union in areas of common interest.
- SAFIPA: A partnership between Finland and South Africa, supporting cooperative research projects in areas like information and communication technology
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)