Department Of Science And Technology Research And Development

By | December 14, 2021

The Department of Science and Innovation seeks to boost socio-economic development in South Africa through research and innovation. To achieve its goals, the Department provides leadership, an enabling environment, and resources for science, technology, and innovation.



Through its Programmes (Administration; Technology Innovation; International Cooperation and Resources; Research Development and Support; and Socio-economic Innovation Partnerships) and several entities that work alongside it, the Department is accomplishing groundbreaking science and enhancing the well-being of all South Africans.

Our Programmes

Corporate Services and Institutional Planning and Support



  • The Programme is geared towards supporting the high-level policy prioritisation of the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) through the following.

Technology Innovation

  • The Programme aims to enable research and development (R&D) in strategic and emerging focus areas (space science,energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, robotics, photonics,and indigenous knowledge systems) intellectual property

International Cooperation and Resources



  • The Programme aims to strategically develop, promote and manage international relationships, opportunities and S&T agreements that strengthen the national system of innovation (NSI) and enable an exsite2016 of knowledge, capacity and resources between South Africa and its regional and international partners. The Programme also supports South African foreign policy through science diplomacy

Research Development and Support

  • The Programme aims to provide an enabling environment for research and knowledge production that promotes strategic development of basic sciences and priority science areas, through science promotion,


Socio-Economic Innovation Partnerships

  • To enhance the growth and development priorities of government through targeted S&T-based innovation interventions and the development of strategic partnerships with other government departments, industry, research institutions and communities