Science department says “thinking differently” can free up resources
A mechanism aiming to maximise South Africa’s return on its R&D investments by coordinating public spending could come into force from 2023/24, a Department and Science and Innovation official has said.
Several government departments and public entities spend money on science and innovation, DSI director-general Phil Mjwara told MPs on the parliamentary portfolio committee on higher education, science and innovation on 3 June. However, many do not prioritise R&D investments and R&D funding gets used to plug budgetary shortfalls, he said.