CeSTII Development

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) is in the process of developing a comprehensive Science, Technology and Innovation Indicator System that will form part of the National Statistical System and inform long range strategic planning. In support of this objective, the DST has given support to Knowledge Management of the HSRC to establish a Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII). CeSTII is planned to become a Centre of Excellence but this will take time and considerable capacity building. The main data sets for the development of appropriate science, technology and innovation indicators for DST will be the products of the two major surveys undertaken by Knowledge Management, namely the National R&D Survey and the South African Innovation Survey.

Both surveys will be undertaken on a regular basis. CeSTII will form networks and work with external partners that will provide specialist analytical work and staff development inputs. CeSTII works closely with bodies that provide international statistics on science, technology and innovation such as the OECD, EUROSTAT and UNESCO as well as individuals in statistical agencies, universitites and innovation policy units.