Strengthening intermediaries in the National System of Innovation (NSI): Case of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions

Abstract

This paper uses the National System of Innovation (NSI) framework to interrogate the role of professional organizations as intermediaries within the South African NSI. Using the case of the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), we explore the role of natural scientists within the country’s NSI ecosystem. Employing a survey of all natural science Voluntary Associations (VAs) affiliated with SACNASP, we highlight some successes that support the NSI, as well as current challenges and implications for the NSI. The study shows that while much has been achieved in skills development, more could be done to bolster the impact of SACNASP in the NSI. Findings suggest that collaborations and partnerships are distorted, with weak industry engagement. Ultimately, this paper argues for better governance and more effective engagement within VAs in order to address challenges of funding, skills development, knowledge production, and application.

Keywords:

• development
• innovation systems
• knowledge engagement
• professional organizations
• skills and voluntary associations

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Notes

1 As in 2018, see www.sacnasp.gov.za for complete list.

2 These fields include some pure and applied Natural Sciences, including Agricultural Science, Chemical Science, Food Science, Earth Science, Mathematical Science and Physical Science, and the Academy of Science of South Africa.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge funding from the South African Department of Science and Innovation.