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South African Foresight for STI (SAForSTI): Background, Rationales, and Objectives
This chapter provides a concise overview of the South Africa Foresight Exercise for Science, Technology, and Innovation (SAForSTI). The primary objective of this exercise was to explore the future landscape of science, technology, and innovation (STI), with a focus on leveraging STI to enhance the well-being of all South Africans by addressing socio-economic challenges inclusively and sustainably. The outcomes of SAForSTI have played a pivotal role in shaping the priorities outlined in the new 10-year plan for STI leading up to 2030. When determining the STI areas to be scrutinised and analysed through the foresight process, several factors were considered, including: (i) Established areas of STI functioning effectively with minimal expected change, (ii) Areas demonstrating high potential for growth, and (iii) Emerging STI areas within the South African national innovation system. SAForSTI employed diverse methodologies informed by both global best practices and local context, with the analysis phase benefiting from big data analytics. A key aspect of SAForSTI was extensive stakeholder engagement. Ultimately, SAForSTI identified seven STI domains, each with its associated priorities or thrusts, including the Circular Economy, High-tech Industrialisation, Nutrition Security, ICTs and Smart Systems, Health Innovation, Sustainable Energy, and Education for the Future.
These domains are intricately linked to South Africa’s prevailing challenges encompassing inequality, poverty, unemployment, food security, health, education, water, and climate, among others. Addressing these systemic societal challenges necessitates long-term planning and policy interventions spanning technological, economic, and social dimensions, transcending national boundaries. Concurrently, South Africa finds itself amidst an era of unparalleled technological advancements permeating various facets of human and planetary existence. This includes remarkable progress in information and communications technology (ICT), biotechnology, nanotechnology, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, blockchain technology, and additive manufacturing, among others. Like other developing nations, South Africa is navigating ways to harness the opportunities presented by these technologies while also preparing to mitigate unintended negative consequences. A youthful population can serve as a catalyst and significant asset amidst the rapid acceleration of technological innovation and socio-technological transformations associated with emerging technologies.
This chapter draws insights from the final synthesis report of the South Africa Foresight Exercise for Science, Technology, and Innovation 2030 published by the National Advisory Council on Innovation, Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa (NACI, 2019, South Africa foresight exercise for science, technology and innovation 2030, synthesis report, National Advisory Council on Innovation, Department of Science and Innovation, Republic of South Africa. Retrieved June 3, 2024, from https://www.naci.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/South-African-Foresight-Exercise-For-Science-Technology-and-Innovation-2019.pdf).
