Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators

CeSTII, at a glance

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators is a statistical and policy research unit located within the Human Sciences Research Council.

Established in 2001, CeSTII:

  • conducts national R&D and innovation surveys on behalf of the South African Department of Science and Innovation ›, and,
  • produces national indicators and analysis from survey results to provide inputs for policy makers, and a basis for international comparisons.

Learn more about CeSTII’s goals 

Policy and research briefs 

Global methods, local context

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators adapts best practice international methodologies for measurement of science, technology and innovation (STI) indicators. Surveys we conduct on a regular basis include:

  • South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D Survey)
  • South African Business Innovation Survey

Latest results

Studies we have worked on collaboratively with national and international partners include:

  • Baseline South African Agricultural Business Innovation Survey, 2016-2018
  • Survey of Innovation in the Informal Economy
  • Engagement and Inclusive Development: Building the Interactive Capabilities of Universities and Science Councils
  • South African National Survey of Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer in Publicly Funded Research Institutions: Inaugural Baseline Study, 2008-2014
  • South African Survey of R&D in Agriculture, 2010/2011
  • African Innovation Outlook

Learn more about CeSTII's projects

From data to policy

The Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators works at the research-policy nexus, informing decision-makers across sectors, both nationally and internationally.

White Paper on Science, Technology and Innovation ›

OECD Main Science and Technology Indicators ›

A cartoon developed by James Durno at the 2017 South African Innovation Summit interprets the mission of CeSTII's business innovation survey as integral to the policy process. [Photo used with kind permission from the copyright holder.]