After 1995 South Africa's automotive industry had to adjust to market liberalisation, rapidly integrate into global supply chains, adapt to World Class levels of competitiveness, and experienced increased ownership by multinationals. The effects of these changes on R&D and innovation activities are examined here. Data from the national R&D survey are used to further explore the structure and direction of automotive R&D. It is found that R&D activity came under pressure, and is likely to decline going forward. However, there are certain niche areas in which R&D has been more resilient and is likely to continue. Current research in the area of South African automotive innovation is also discussed. Please RSVP to Lwazi Ndlovu at Lwazi.Ndlovu@wits.ac.za Download document to find out more |
