About NACI
NACI shall advise the Minister, and through the Minister, the Ministers Committee
and the Cabinet, on the role and contribution of science, mathematics, innovation and
technology, including indigenous technologies, in promoting and achieving national
objectives, namely to improve and sustain the quality of life of all South Africans,
develop human resources for science and technology, build the economy, and strengthen
the country’s competitiveness in the international sphere.
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Vision
For National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) to be a leading advisory body for the government on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) within a well-coordinated, responsive, and functioning National System of Innovation (NSI)
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Mission
To provide evidence-based advice to the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation and, through the minister, Inter-ministerial Committee (IMC) and Presidential Plenary for STI, and the Cabinet, on STI matters, through research expertise and stakeholder engagement.
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Values
Professionalism.
Integrity.
Innovation and knowledge sharing.
Transparency and accountability.
Our History
Establishment of NACI
The National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) was officially established under the National Advisory Council on Innovation Act No. 55 of 1997. Its core mandate was to serve as an advisory body to the Minister of Science and Technology (now Science, Technology and Innovation), with the goal of promoting innovation and the effective use of science and technology to achieve national development goals. The Act laid the foundation for NACI to act as a key policy influencer, with the responsibility to support strategic decision-making in the science, technology, and innovation (STI) ecosystem.
Initial Council Appointment
In 1998, the Minister appointed the first NACI Council. This council was composed of leading figures from academia, industry, research institutions, and government, selected for their expertise in science and innovation. The structure ensured representation across various sectors, promoting balanced and well-informed recommendations. The appointment of council members in their personal capacities (rather than as representatives of organizations) was intended to foster independent, objective, and forward-thinking policy advice.
Strategic Framework Contribution
By 2000, NACI had begun playing an increasingly active role in shaping the country’s strategic science and technology framework. It contributed to aligning national innovation policies with socio-economic priorities, such as job creation, education, and sustainable development. This period marked the start of formal assessments and reviews of the innovation system, including advising on the restructuring of science councils and the allocation of research funding to support long-term national objectives.
Emphasis on National System of Innovation (NSI)
A decade later, NACI intensified its focus on the National System of Innovation (NSI). Recognizing that innovation is not confined to the lab but extends across education, industry, and society, NACI worked to promote better coordination among all players in the system. It emphasized the need for policies that encourage collaboration, reduce duplication of effort, and increase the social and economic returns on public investment in research and development (R&D). This era saw greater scrutiny of innovation indicators and system-wide performance monitoring.
Focus on Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Inclusivity
By 2020, NACI’s advisory role expanded to include more inclusive and transformative innovation policies. A major shift occurred with the incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the national innovation agenda. NACI supported efforts to recognize and integrate traditional knowledge into modern STI frameworks, especially in areas such as agriculture, health, and environmental sustainability. This also coincided with a broader push for inclusive innovation, ensuring that the benefits of science and technology reached marginalized communities and addressed inequality.
Executive Committee (ExCo)
