This report sets out to investigate the performance, processes and dynamics associated with South Africa’s research, science and technology collaboration on the African continent. The resultant analysis leads to a set of recommendations as to how the South African government could effectively improve its interaction with its African counterparts in S&T initiatives.
The objective of this document is to provide a framework for collaborative action on gender, race and the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) sector within which institutions in the South African National System of Innovation (NSI) may implement effective measures for ensuring that South African women participate fully in, and benefit from, innovative SET research, the production of SET products and the provision of SET services. Through the increased participation of women in SET, South Africa can increase its capacity for innovation and increase the contribution of Research & Development to Gross Domestic Product.
Women’s entry into the higher education in South Africa during the past decade, has increased but women remain under-represented within the Science, Engineering and Technology (SET) sector. The problem is evident at postgraduate degree levels, particularly in the field of engineering where fewer women register. Only a small number of South African women end up working in the SET sector. Constant gender imbalances in the workplace, especially in the SET sector continue to impact negatively on South Africa’s global competitiveness in growing the skills in the economy.
The purpose of the study is briefly: