Innovation performance in South African businesses, 2014-2016: activities, outcomes, enablers, constraints

Abstract

South Africa's key priorities are to accelerate inclusive economic growth, create jobs, and reduce inequality. Whether to drive product exports in key sectors, meet local demand for new services, or expand opportunity to new entrepreneurs and small businesses, innovation is an essential ingredient of prosperous economies. In the context of immediate local and global challenges, and disruptive technologies, innovation is also the engine of our collective future well-being. In this report we showcase results and trends from the South African Business Innovation Survey, 2014-16 - a critical national research effort to inform innovation discussions in South Africa and internationally.