Overview of the DSI and entities: Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Workshop

1. Overview of the DSI and entities: Parliamentary Portfolio Committee Workshop Dr Phil Mjwara DG: DSI Date: 21 August 2019

2. Outline of presentation • Overview of the DSI and its challenges. • Entities reporting to the DSI and their challenges. • What are the synergies or anticipated areas of collaboration between the DSI (including entities) and DHET? • Financial brief. 

3. The National Research and Development Strategy (NRDS, 2002) • The Ten Year Innovation Plan (TYIP, 2008-2018) • The White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI WP, 2019) – replaced the White Paper on Science and Technology, 1996 • A number of sector-based strategies e.g. the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Strategy (AMTS) and the Bio-economy Strategy • Strategies of STI-relevant strategies of other government departments e.g. the IPAP and the National Skills Plan. The DST policies and STI policy environment

4. Policy mandate of the then DST (1) • Coordinating the development and implementation of country-level science, technology and innovation (STI) policies. • Creating systems and structures to coordinate the STI-related work of government departments and agencies. • Developing measurement systems and undertaking analyses to improve the performance of the national system of innovation (NSI).

5. Policy mandate of the then DST (2) • Optimising the governance of the publicly funded STI institutions reporting to the department to support government’s priority outcomes. • Supporting the development of high-level STI human capabilities for South Africa. • Supporting the research system and emerging research areas. • Developing technological solutions and supporting innovation.

6. Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology: Dr Blade Nzimande DSI structure Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology: MrButiManamela Dr Phil Mjwara DG: Science & Technology Mr Imraan Patel DDG: Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships Dr Daniel Adams Act. DDG: Research Develop. and Support Mr Mmboneni Muofhe DDG: Technology Innovation Mr Daan du Toit DDG: Internat. Coop. and Resources Ms Buhle Khumalo Act. DDG: Institutional Planning and Support Ms Nombuyiselo Mokoena DDG: Corporate Services Ms Pretty Makukule CFO 6

7. Branches/ Programmes Programme 1: Administration • Represents all Departmental support functions including the Office of the Director-General and the Ministry Programme 2: Technology Innovation • Drives strategic research, development and innovation (RDI) in space science and technology, energy, the bioeconomy, and the emerging and converging areas of nanotechnology, robotics, photonics and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), and to promote the realisation of commercial products, processes and services from these RDI initiatives. Programme 3:International Cooperation and Resources (ICR) • Develop, promote and manage international partnerships that strengthen the National System of Innovation and enable an exchange of knowledge, capacity and resources between South Africa and its international partners, with a focus on supporting STI capacity-building in Africa, and to support South African foreign policy through science diplomacy. .

8. Branches/ Programmes Programme 4: Research Development and Support (RDS) • Provide an enabling environment for research and knowledge production that promotes the strategic development of basic sciences and priority science areas, through science promotion, HCD, and the provision of research infrastructure and relevant research support, in pursuit of South Africa's transition to a knowledge economy. Programme 5: Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships (SEIP) • Enhance the growth and development priorities of government through targeted S&T-based innovation interventions and the development of strategic partnerships with other government departments, industry, research institutions and communities.

9. DSI vision, mission, values Provide leadership, an enabling environment, and resources for science, technology and innovation in support of South Africa’s development Professionalism Innovation Ethical behaviour Knowledge sharing Increased well-being and prosperity through science, technology and innovation (STI) Values Vision Mission

10. Current DST strategic outcome orientated goals The DST strategic plan 2015- 2020 is structured around 5 strategic outcome orientated goals • A responsive, coordinated and efficient NSI • Increased knowledge generation • Human capital development • Using knowledge for economic development • Knowledge utilisation for inclusive development

11. Opportunities presented by the change to the DSI • The formation of the new DSI will facilitate the implementation of the 2019 White Paper on STI, thereby helping to increase the positive impacts of STI on society, the economy and the environment. • The merger of the two former ministries (Higher Education and Training and Science and Technology) will enable a step change in the expansion and transformation of the human capabilities of the NSI and SA.

12. DSI challenges (1) • How to, within its current budget, take the additional innovation mandate on board? • How to coordinate and align innovation budgets across government? • How to unlock the innovative capacity of other government departments and play a strategic innovation role across government e.g. on agenda setting, innovation instruments, M&E, and international cooperation? • How to upscale its science and technology initiatives to make the required impact on government, society and industry?

13. Challenges (2) • How does the DSI support the necessary expansion of the human capabilities of the economy - working with our new sister department in the Ministry, The Department of Higher Education and Training? • What role should we play on the governance of science councils not currently in the DSI family? • Given the new mandate, what additional expertise is required by the DSI to enable strong S&I leadership across government? (e.g. economists, local innovation experts?) • What should the DSI structure be?

14. Entities reporting to the DSI and their challenges

15. Entities reporting to the DST Govt. SSDU: NIPMO www.dst.gov.za

16. Overarching challenges facing all DSI entities • Underfunding especially for the relatively new entities such as SANSA and TIA. • Ailing S&T infrastructure. • Readiness to implement the 2019 STI White Paper. • Potential loss of scarce skills due to budget cuts.

17. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) • The CSIR is listed as Schedule 3B public entity in the PFMA. • It obtains approximately one-third of its operational budget from the National Treasury and the remainder of income is derived from contract income.

18. CSIR Mandate “The objects of the CSIR are, through directed and particularly multi-disciplinary research and technological innovation, to foster, in the national interest and in fields which in its opinion should receive preference, industrial and scientific development, either by itself or in co-operation with principals from the private or public sectors, and thereby to contribute to the improvement of the quality of life or the people of the Republic, and to perform any other functions that may be assigned to the CSIR by or under this Act” (Scientific Research Council Act of 1988, amended by Act 71 of 1990) www.dst.gov.za

19. CSIR Mandate Unpacked • Better utilisation of the resources of the Republic • Manpower training to improve productive capacity of its population • Improvement of technical processes and methods to improve industrial production • The promotion and expansion of existing, as well as the establishment of new industries. www.dst.gov.za

20. Strategic objectives • Conduct research, development and innovation, localise transformative technologies and accelerate their diffusion • Collaboratively improve competitiveness of high impact industries to support South Africa’s re-industrialisation • Drive socioeconomic transformation through RD&I which supports the development of a capable state • Build and leverage human capital and infrastructure • Diversify income, maintain financial sustainability and good governance www.dst.gov.za

22. Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) To provide for the promotion of research in the field of human sciences in order to improve understanding of social conditions and the process of social change; to provide for the continued existence of the Human Sciences Research Council; and to provide for matters connected therewith (RSA, 2008: 2; emphasis added).

23. Objectives of the HSRC … • Addressdevelopmental challengesin the Republic, elsewhere in Africa and in the rest of the world by means of strategic basic and applied research in human sciences; • Inform effective formulation and monitoring of policy, and evaluate the implementation thereof; • Stimulatepublic debatethrough effective dissemination of fact-based research results; • Help buildresearch capacityand infrastructure for the human sciences;

24. Objectives of the HSRC • Fosterresearch collaboration, networks and institutional linkages; • Respond to the needs ofvulnerable and marginalised groupsin society through its research, and • Develop and make availabledata setsunderpinning research, policy development and public discussion of developmental issues.

25. Research focus: The HSRC’s unique mandate

26. Strategic Approach Human and Social Capabilities Inclusive Economic Development Developmental, Capable and Ethical State Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators Democracy, Governance & Service Delivery Economic Performance and Development Africa Institute of South Africa Social Aspects of Public Health Research Use and Impact Assessment Human and Social Development Education and Skills Development 8 | HSRC Integrated Annual Report | a sharper focus on poverty, inequality and unemployment

27. National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) • The NACI mandate is to advise the Minister of Science and Technology and, through the Minister, the Cabinet, on the contribution of science, mathematics, innovation and technology in promoting and achieving national objectives. • These are to improve and sustain quality of life, develop human resources for science and technology, build the economy, and strengthen the country’s competitiveness. • NACI, consisting of the Council and the Secretariat is not a listed entity in the PFMA. The Secretariat staff work for the Department which also provides shared services e.g. HR, IT, Finance and Communications.

28. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) The ASSAf mandate is: • To honour distinguished scholars in all fields of scientific enquiry, and • To generate evidence-based solutions to national and global challenges. ASSAf goals: • Recognition & reward of excellence • Promotion of innovation & scholarly activity • Promotion of effective, evidence-based scientific advice • Promotion of public interest in & awareness of science & science education • Promotion of national, regional & international linkages

29. National Research Foundation (NRF) The object of the NRF is to contribute to national development by: • Supporting and promoting research and human capital development, through funding and the provision of necessary infrastructure, in order to facilitate the creation of knowledge, innovation and development in all fields of science and technology, including humanities, social sciences and indigenous knowledge • Developing, supporting and maintaining national research facilities • Supporting and promoting public awareness of, and engagement with science • Promoting the development and maintenance of the national science system and supporting government priorities.

30. Human capital development - Students FEMALE REPRESENTATION BLACK REPRESENTATION 14% 5% 10% 0.3% 19% 6% 40% 6% 21% 1% 24% 6% 30% 7% 36% 6% 55% 80% Legend: The Percentages in the arrows represents: % growth on 2011 baseline Average % growth for last two years Source: NRF

31. Human capital development - Researchers BLACK REPRESENTATION FEMALE REPRESENTATION 35% 2% 15% 1.3% 46% 50% Legend: The Percentages in the arrows represents: % growth on 2011 baseline Average % growth for last two years 4 708 Total number of researchers supported 13 055 Research and Instructional staff with doctoral degrees 55 053 Total number of research and instructional staff at Universities The approximate percentage of researchers (with doctoral degrees) funded by the NRF is 35% Source: NRF and HEMIS

32. Strategic Programme – CoEs (14)

33. Strategic Programme - SARChI • 233 awarded research chairs hosted by 24 institutions

34. SARChI - Race Distribution

35. SARChI - Gender Distribution

36. National Research Facilities … • Provide unique and specialised infrastructure • Provide capabilities and services for competitive research • Human capacity development in science, engineering and technology in partnership with HEI

37. National Research Facilities … • Five national facilities managed by tehe NRF: • iThemba LABS - multi-disciplinary research facility based on development, operation and use of particle accelerators and related research equipment. • SARAO - managing all radio astronomy initiatives – SKA and HartRAO. • SAAO - promotes astronomy and astrophysics in Southern Africa. • SAEON - in-situ environmental observation network that produces data for scientific research and informs decision-making. • SAIAB - aquatic environment from marine offshore to continental fresh water catchment.

38. Science Engagement • Undertaken by the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement (SAASTA) to promote a scientifically literate society. • District municipalities reached through public science events, such as the National Science Week. • 34 science centres across 8 provinces • Promote mathematics and science at school level through e.g. educator development activities, Olympiads and competitions, career profiling and role modelling, science camps and workshops.

39. Challenges • Transformation of human capital development • Postgraduate students– especially at PhD level • Researchers – not representative of demographics • Research infrastructure • Ageing infrastructure • Funding • Science engagement – science awareness • Reach limited • International cooperation • More benefits can be derived.

40. NRF Synergies with DHET • Human capital development • Bursaries • N-GAP • Knowledge production – research articles • Research infrastructure • Acquire research equipment • Science engagement – science awareness • Mathematics and science - build pipeline at school level • International cooperation (human capital development, research infrastructure) • Bilateral agreement joint research programmes • Research infrastructure

41. SA Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP) • SACNASP was established in terms of the Natural Scientific Professions Act, 2003 (Act No. 27 of 2003) to register and regulate natural science practitioners in South Africa. • SACNASP is a professional body not listed with the PFMA. • The SACNASP Act is currently being amended.

42. South African National Space Agency (SANSA) The objects of the Agency are to— • promote the peaceful use of space; • support the creation of an environment conducive to industrial development in space technology; • foster research in space science, communications, navigation and space physics; • advance scientific, engineering and technological competencies and capabilities through human capital development outreach programmes and infrastructure development; and • foster international co-operation in space-related activities. SANSA is a 3A listed public entity in the PFMA. SANSA collaborates with national and global partners and drives the transformation of the country towards a knowledge-based economy through the use of space products and services.

43. SANSA Strategic Goals • Goal 1: The development of a suite of space application products and services that directly respond to user needs • Goal 2: The building of core space infrastructure, both ground and space based, that will enable the delivery of essential space services • Goal 3: The generation of space relevant knowledge that supports the developmental agenda • Goal 4: The development of requisite human capacity that is needed for the implementation of key space initiatives

44. SANSA Sources of funds

45. SANSA’s financial sustainability is under threat due to: • Sub-optimal levels of funding – parliamentary grant of R143.5 million compared against a budget projection of R2.5 billion (National Space Strategy) • SANSA has been hit by another budget cut of 3.2 million, which puts additional pressure on our operations • Staffing costs amounts to 87% of the Parliamentary Grant, as we are currently a performing agency • No funds for capitalisation or recapitalisation (currently sweating old assets to generate revenue) • Mandate scope is limited – currently no focus on telecommunications, and navigation and positioning applications and technologies SANSA Challenges

46. Technology Innovation Agency (TIA)

47. Entities merged into TIA BIOTECHNOLOGY REGIONAL INNOVATION CENTRES (BRICS)

48. TIA Technology Stations Network of 18 TS based at Universities of Technology

49. Purpose: TIA identifies, funds and supports entities to acquire and deploy high end infrastructure and expertise for use by various innovators to conduct technology development and commercialisation TIA Technology Platforms • Platform services • Analytical services • Prototype development • Technology scale up • Technology validation • Quality assurance • Data generation • Data analysis • Advisory services

50. TIA Youth Technology Innovation Young Innovators (18-30) Students, Researchers at HEI & SC, Entrepreneurs, Individuals Programme Aims • Funding the development and commercialisation of innovative ideas • Contributing to a sustainable technology innovation ecosystem in SA to support innovation and entrepreneurship • Supporting social innovation amongst young people in rural areas • Cultivating the culture of innovation Offerings • Prototype Development • Technology Development Funding • Incubation Support • Testing & Certification • Subsistence Allowance