 | CeSTii |
Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII)
The establishment and growth of the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) reflects the global movement of economies to a more knowledge-intensive orientation. The ability of organisations and economies to constantly innovate, and the means that promote this capability, are central to the competitiveness of nations. Research and experimental development (R&D) and innovation activities therefore need to be measured and monitored to understand their dynamics in terms of human resources, expenditure and focus areas in relation to economic growth.
CeSTII was established to undertake regular national R&D and innovation surveys on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and to produce national indicators from the survey results to provide inputs for policy makers and a basis for international comparisons.
The main work of CeSTII is concentrated on building capacity and expertise in science and technology surveys and indicators and in constructing a solid national baseline and data series from the two main surveys, namely:
Scope of our work | ||
| | The National Research and Experimental Development Survey | This is an annual survey of national research and experimental development inputs, conducted on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology (DST). |
| | This survey is part of DST's effort to establish a baseline set of S&T indicators for monitoring, reporting on, and fine tuning the National System of Innovation (NSI). | |
From the two surveys a wide range of internationally comparable data and indicator series can be constructed that comprise official science and technology statistics for the National Statistical System. These official data and indicators are also submitted to the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for publication in the biannual Main Science and Technology Indicators and the biennial Science, Technology and Industry Scoreboard. Data are also submitted annually to the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and to the IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook.
The work of CeSTII in the areas of R&D and innovation surveys is recognised at the highest level of the government and was given substance through the memorandum of understanding between DST and Statistics South Africa regarding the provision of official science and technology statistics within the National Statistical System. Accordingly, the R&D Surveys are now part of Official Statistics as defined by the Statistics Act No.6 of 1999.
CeSTII comprises 19 staff and represents a sound mix of group, gender, skill and disciplinary focus.
The key users of our work are various government departments and agencies, especially the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Education, the National Treasury, the National Advisory Council on Innovation, and the Presidential Commission on the Information Society and Development. We are pleased to be in a position to rapidly respond to queries through our growing knowledge of the country’s R&D base. This provision of information is balanced by an Access Protocol, which ensures that strict confidentiality is maintained regarding the data pertaining to individual organisations and respondents.
Our work assists government in meeting its strategic imperatives such as those contained in the South African Research and Development Strategy to help promote effectiveness and efficiency, attain greater competitiveness and create employment opportunities. Over the past two years a steady stream of our projects has reached maturity and our list of publications has grown apace. Of particular significance is the way in which the research that we have produced is increasingly finding its way into the deliberations of relevant policy-makers.
CeSTII has completed its fourth full year of operations and is increasingly gaining recognition as a centre of expertise in S&T statistics and indicators. Moreover, the original vision that led to its creation has been vindicated by the growth of research output, and a staff that has demonstrated its ability to deliver, to innovate, and to stretch the boundaries of its knowledge and expertise. We are now in the business of knowledge production, measurement and sharing, and interact with peers nationally and internationally. By 2007 CeSTII has successfully completed three National R&D Surveys and is currently busy in the field with the 2005/06 Survey. The South African Innovation Survey 2005, based on the Fourth Round of the European Community Innovation Survey (CIS4), is complete and will be reported on in 2007.
CeStII’s work largely focuses on the South Africa’s National R&D and innovation surveys and also extends to a broad collegiate, and dialogue, with researchers and practitioners around the globe. As we are now established in the business of science and technology surveys, measurement and indicators, we enjoy extensive interaction with peers nationally and internationally. We work closely with the OECD, science and technology offices in other African countries, the NEPAD S&T Secretariat, Statistics Canada, UNESCO, and other international agencies.
Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
UNESCO Institute for Statistics
United National University
Science and Technology Policy Research: University of Sussex (SPRU)
Statistics South Africa (StatsSA)
Centre for Research on Science and Technology: University of Stellenbosch (Crest)
Institute of technological innovation: University of Pretoria
The World Bank
The Department of Science and Technology