research and studies

The Innovation for Development (INNO4DEV) sub-committee of the National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) commissioned an in-house study on international initiatives whose main purpose is to uplift needy rural communities out of poverty and unemployment. To this end, we scanned the literature to identify successful projects and programmes whose effectiveness depends on

• Innovative technology and products together with the right kind of social and economic support for the intended beneficiaries;
• Operations and activities that could be easily adapted and implemented under South African conditions;
• Outcomes that would improve the lives of, in particular, our poorest citizens by providing jobs and increasing food security.

South Africa is remarkably rich with innovative communities and multi-stakeholder organisations involved in innovative social development programmes and initiatives. Some of the organisations that support social entrepreneurs in South Africa are listed below. It is important that government invests in or provides incentives for these programmes. Government can provide an enabling environment while the business fraternity provide financial and technical support to motivate social entrepreneurs and NGOs to expand and extend their social innovation activities. In particular, the DST’s Science and Technology for Social Impact programme could partner with these organizations to ensure development and efficiency of delivery, and consequently enhance social impact.

The study not only addresses not only the participation of women in Science Engineering and Technology but also the extent to which women benefits from SET.The study not only addresses not only the participation of women in science SET but also the extent to which women benefits from SET – an update of 2004 version.

The effects of the Second NACI Council initiatives undertaken during the period 1 April 2004 to 28 February 2009 are summarised under the following headings: conceptual considerations, management processes, outputs, communication and networks, external evaluations, and overarching conclusions.