The key question is: How do research, development and innovation (RDI) in public sector institutions contribute to sustainable socio-economic growth in South Africa? South Africa has a variety of public research institutions that are members of the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF). See Current Members | Science Councils – Statutory Bodies – NSTF. These enable RDI in a broad range of disciplines and economic sectors. They report to a variety of government departments, and only some report directly to the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). However, for all of them, part of their mandate is innovation, i.e. development of products and processes that can be commercialised or applied by the state to the benefit of the population. This discussion forum is organised by the NSTF in consultation with the sub-committee of the Science Councils and Statutory Bodies sector in NSTF. These representatives are passionate about their work on science and development in SA, particularly about sustainable development.

Date: 17-18 October
Time: 09:00-16:00 day 1 and 09:00-13:00 day 2