Kahn, Michael and Ralphs, Gerard and Mustapha, Nazeem and Borel-Saladin, Jacqueline (2026) Science, Technology and Innovation Policymaking, Advice and Evaluation Capabilities in Post-Apartheid South Africa: An Assessment. fteval Journal for Research and Technology Policy Evaluation (58). pp. 210-252. ISSN 1726-6629
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract (english)
This paper examines the configuration of South Africa’s science, technology and innovation (STI) policymaking, advisory and evaluation capabilities in the post‑apartheid era, responding to calls for deeper analysis of evidence‑in‑use. The research question probed is: How have institutional histories and sector‑specific developments shaped the country’s ability to generate, mobilise and apply evidence in support of policy learning? The analysis is structured around four case studies – institutionalisation of STI measurement, policy advice and evaluation; the HIV/AIDS crisis; the Square Kilometre Array (SKA); and the Pebble Bed Modular Reactor (PBMR) – each refracting strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks within the national system of innovation. The cases reveal a system characterised by both resilience and fragmentation: strong indicator and evaluation infrastructures coexist with uneven advisory autonomy, variable political commitment to evidence, and inconsistent cross‑domain learning. The paper argues that strengthening South Africa’s STI policymaking, advisory and evaluation capability Nexus requires more autonomous advisory bodies, milestone‑based review and evaluation (“decisiongates”) for major projects, and institutional mechanisms that enable knowledge brokerage across sectors. These findings offer lessons for countries seeking to balance expertise, politics and public accountability in STI governance.
| Subjects: | Policy, Fields & Systems Evaluation |
|---|---|
| Divisions: | Institution without fteval membership |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | evidence-in-use, assessment, science, technology and innovation, policymaking, advice, evaluation, South Africa, National System of Innovation |
| Identification Number: | 10.22163/fteval.2026.747 |
| Date Deposited: | 02 Jul 2026 16:00 |
| URI: | https://repository.fteval.at/id/eprint/823 |
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