The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) is working to create an environment where research thrives by offering funding sources and programmes that encourage discoveries that tackle societal issues and stimulate economic expansion.

This was the message shared by Minister Blade Nzimande in his oral reply to questions in the National Council of Provinces on Tuesday, 15 October 2024.

The Department's primary role is to encourage and fund research that results in technical advancements and innovation breakthroughs. Its primary mandate is to boost the country's competitiveness in the global knowledge economy by cultivating innovative talent and funding sophisticated research projects and innovations.

"For this to materialise, the DSTI works with universities, research institutions, and private-sector groups. It aims to foster collaboration that promotes innovation in critical sectors like as health, agriculture, information and communication technologies, renewable energy, and others," said Prof. Nzimande.

The DSTI's research financing programmes aim to contribute to long-term economic growth by improving the country's research capabilities and supporting the emergence of new technologies.

National research grants are one of DSTI's key sources of funding. These funds are given to academic institutions and research centres to help fund high-impact innovative and technological projects. The scope of study financed by these funds can vary widely from basic science, which investigates underlying theories and processes, to applied research, which focuses on solving real issues through innovation.

Researchers can apply for funding by submitting proposals that describe their project's objectives, methods, projected outcomes, and how the research fits into national priorities. Once selected, these initiatives are sponsored for a defined length of time and require frequent progress reports and evaluations.

The Department also provides grants and funding expressly to support the development of new technologies and innovations. This funding is typically aimed at technological startups, academic researchers and private enterprises working on commercially viable innovations. It guarantees that scientific discoveries are translated into goods, services, and solutions that benefit society as a whole, rather than remaining in the lab.

"Some of the current key government initiatives that enhance funding and support for research and development include the South African Research Chairs Initiative, the centres of excellence and the national institutes for research, development and innovation," said the Minister.

Often, these funds include mentorship programmes, technical assistance, and contacts with investors to assure the innovations' commercialisation and scalability. This funding structure prioritises the conversion of research into real goods, which is an important step in promoting economic growth and job creation.

The DSTI provides grants and financing programmes to help create and improve research infrastructure across the country. This comprises laboratories, data centres, modern computing facilities, and other necessary equipment.

Such infrastructure is frequently costly, and universities or research institutions may struggle to fund these facilities independently. By offering this assistance, the DSTI guarantees that researchers have the tools and resources they require to perform cutting-edge research, bringing top-tier academics and research talent to the country.

The Department also helps to facilitate international collaboration on innovative research projects. Many modern challenges such as climate change, pandemics, and food security are global in scope and necessitate international cooperation. To this end, the DSTI collaborates with global research institutions, governments, and international organisations to fund cross-border research and development projects.

"Key performance areas of these initiatives are research, human capacity development, information brokerage, networking, and service rendering. Furthermore, the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan emphasises the importance of research impact. To this end, the National Research Foundation has developed the Research Impact Framework, which ensures that research impact is considered during the early stages of proposal development and research planning, and influences the use of engaged, collaborative and inclusive research processes to advance impact. By advancing the research impact agenda, the relationship between science and society has been transformed through the co-creation of research, mutual benefit and national development," said Prof. Nzimande.

These collaborations allow local researchers to obtain foreign financing and collaborate with global specialists. This also creates potential for talent transfers, expanding the knowledge base and capacities of local researchers.

The financing has had a tremendous impact on the research environment. For example, persistent financing has enabled advancements in biotechnology, renewable energy and agriculture. DSTI-funded research has led to the creation of new solutions, including drought-resistant crops, better medical treatments, and alternative energy sources, which directly contribute to enhancing societal well-being and economic prosperity.

Furthermore, the emphasis on innovation investment has hastened the formation of startups and technology companies, creating jobs and forming industries crucial to future growth. The DSTI's concentration on applied research ensures that achievements are promptly brought to market, helping the economy as well as individuals' quality of life.

The DSTI is an important driver of research excellence and innovation. Its ongoing commitment to research funding places it as a cornerstone for national success in a dynamically changing global scene.