17 / 172
15
HSRC Annual Report 2016/17
AISA Publications performed well against the set targets for the year, and exceeded all three primary targets in support
of indicators 1.2, 1.3 and 1.8 (see Table 2).
Table 2: Performance against target indicators 2016/17
Number Indicator
Target
Output/Outcome
1.2
Scholarly books published
4
6
1.3
Scholarly book chapters published
9
20
1.8
Number of policy briefs produced and published
5
7
Increasing visibility and marketing of publications
Twelve seminars, colloquiums, conferences and lectures were attended to market AISA publications. The focus on
greater collaboration and stakeholder partnerships assisted with partial or full funding for some of the publications.
However, sales of publications decreased from the prior year and marketing interventions are currently being explored
in an endeavour to increase sales.
Capacity building
The AISA Publications Unit annually provides for a full-time, one-year internship and also hosts a Publishers’Association
of South Africa intern for a six-month period.
Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII)
On the South African National Survey on Research and Experimental Development…
“The 2014/15 R&D survey shows an improving positive outlook for R&D investment in South Africa…
This is the fourth consecutive year that GERD has increased in real terms, after the contraction in 2009/10.”
Dr Naledi Pandor – Minister of Science andTechnology
Profile of CeSTII
CeSTII is a statistical and policy research unit, which since 2001 has become a leader in the field of national surveys
that underpin benchmarking, planning and reporting on R&D, innovation and technology transfer in South Africa. The
team adapts best practice international methodologies for measurement of science, technology and innovation (STI)
indicators, within a framework of innovation for inclusive development.
Working closely with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the unit is expanding its work to include the
development of new measurement approaches and indicators, enhance and maintain statistical quality, and conduct
research and analysis into the measurement of STI.
CeSTII’s core business is:
•
The undertaking of statistical surveys that support measurement and analysis of STI indicators;
•
Analysis of STI indicators to enhance the understanding of the STI environment and inform policy development; and
•
Knowledge sharing and exchange with the national, regional and global community of practice in STI measurement
and policy.
Research highlights
South African National Survey on Research and Experimental Development
This is an annual project, conducted on behalf of the DST. The survey reports the latest available data on R&D expenditure
and performance across five sectors: higher education, science councils, government, business, and not-for-profit
organisations. In 2016/17, the CeSTII R&D survey team reported on the 2014/15 cycle of the survey and initiated fieldwork
for 2015/16 cycle.