R&D the biggest business casualty of Covid-19?

Abstract

While the overall economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is still unfolding, there are strong indications that it is causing the largest economic downturn since the 2008 financial crisis. In 2020, the South African government implemented lockdown regulations, to safeguard the population, but had adverse effects on businesses and economic activity at large. This brief assesses the effects on firms with research and development (R&D) activity, and appeals for action to protect the national system of innovation.