A gap analysis of the South African innovation system for water

J Rose,K Winter

doi:10.4314/wsa.v41i3.13

Abstract

This paper draws on the innovation literature to analyse the South African system of innovation for water. Two major approaches to science and innovation from the innovation systems literature are described and compared: the neoclassical or 'market-failure' linear model of innovation, and the more complex and more recent innovation systems approach. It is argued that the innovation systems approach is a useful basis of analysis because of its emphasis on the diffusion of knowledge and the factors which tend to affect it - in comparison with the neoclassical model's assumption of perfect knowledge transfer. An analysis of gaps was undertaken using an interactive web-based puzzle-building activity with participants in the water sector. The primary gaps identified are not those that state actors continue to focus on in policy interventions; instead, they include the need to enable effective demand by end users, to facilitate more direct interaction between users and researchers, and to involve the private sector much more strongly in water innovation. Human capacity needs were highlighted, as was the need for strong leadership and openness in data sharing. The argument is made that those gaps that are seen as least important by practitioners and researchers in the sector are the very gaps that South African water innovation policy continues to focus on, while the gaps in cognitive capacity, in structures allowing the articulation of societal needs, and in industry involvement are largely un(der)addressed. This suggests that a linear, or neo-classical understanding of innovation may underlie innovation policy for water in South Africa. Recommendations for future policy directions include promoting knowledge-related infrastructure and data sharing; reorganising the research environment within universities; strengthening support for entrepreneurs; and creating centres of competency with strong industrial-design and economic- and market analysis capabilities.

Highlights

Systemic problems in South Africa: setting the sceneWater researchers in South Africa (SA) are a small but relatively productive group who have contributed more than 3 times the country’s average output of ISI-indexed (Institute for Scientific Information, Thomson Reuters Web of Science) publications compared to all other disciplines
The data and views gathered in the course of this study enable an analysis of challenges to water innovation in South Africa, and of gaps in the innovation system for water
Recent reports indicate a consistent investment of 0.76% of gross domestic product (GDP) in research and development (R&D) over the last 3 years, largely by public funding (45.4%) in 2012/13, while the business sector funded 38.3% in the same period (DST, 2014)

Summary

Introduction

Systemic problems in South Africa: setting the sceneWater researchers in South Africa (SA) are a small but relatively productive group who have contributed more than 3 times the country’s average output of ISI-indexed (Institute for Scientific Information, Thomson Reuters Web of Science) publications compared to all other disciplines. The challenge is to sustain this academic endeavour, and to address current and future pressing socio-economic challenges and to enable innovation that will contribute directly to the development of a knowledge-based economy. Innovation in a developing country such as South Africa must be understood both in terms of its impacts on macroeconomic performance and on the achievement of other developmental goals. This includes meeting social and basic needs, of the poor (Cozzens and Kaplinsky, 2009)

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