Council Configuration

The National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) was established in terms of the National Advisory Council on Innovation Act (Act No 55 of 1997). The NACI Act provides for NACI to advise the Minister of Science and Technology, and through the Minister, 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, amongst others:

• Coordination and stimulation of the National System of Innovation (NSI);
• Promotion of cooperation within the NSI;
• Development and maintenance of human resources for innovation through education and training;
• Strategies for the promotion of technology innovation, development, acquisition, transfer and implementation in all sectors;
• International liaison and cooperation in the fields of innovation;
• Infrastructural development for innovation;
• Initiatives to promote risk-taking in support of innovation, including financial and regulatory instruments;
• The effective management of government’s innovation policy in all spheres of government;
• Coordination of innovation policy with other policies; and
• Identification of research and development priorities in consultation with provincial departments and interested parties, and their incorporation in the process of government funding of research and development.