Mandate, mission, vision and values

Mandate

The National Advisory Council on Innovation Act, Act 55 of 1997 mandates NACI to advise the Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology, and through him the Cabinet, on the role and contribution of innovation (including science and technology) in promoting and achieving national objectives. These national objectives include the improvement of the quality of life of South Africans, the promotion of sustainable economic growth and international competitiveness. The advice should be directed at, among others:

• Co-ordination and stimulation of the National System of Innovation (NSI)
• Promotion of co-operation within the NSI
• Structuring, governance and co-ordination of the S&T system
• Revision of the innovation policy
• Strategies for the promotion of all aspects of technological innovation
• Identification of R&D priorities
• Funding of the S&T system

Mission

The above statutory mandate has been converted into the following strategic mission statement:

NACI will strive to become a relevant, prominent, credible and responsive advisory body to the Minister on national matters concerning innovation, including science and technology, thereby contributing to the achievement of the national objectives of South Africa. NACI will give effect to its mission by utilising accountable scientific approaches and the best available resources. NACI’s ideal is to be seen as the premier source of advice.

This mission statement finds expression in the motto of NACI:
Innovation for a better future

Vision

NACI has committed itself to the following vision:

NACI, as the key source of science and technology advice to government, will successfully promote S&T as the primary driver behind South Africa’s economic and social development.

Values

The following values underlie all activities of NACI:

• Innovation directedness and relevance to South Africa
• South Africa first
• Consultation with and involvement of all members in the activities of NACI
• Proactive rather than reactive actions to give effect to its statutory mandate
• Fast delivery of advice and related services
• Meeting of deadlines and increasing outputs significantly
• Relevance, high quality and integrity of information produced
• Integrity and credibility of NACI