South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development: statistical report 2020/21

Abstract

This Statistical Report presents data tables from the 2020/21 South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development (R&D Survey). The report provides key findings of the survey with commentary, standard summary tables of the overall findings from 2020/21 and time series from previous instances of the survey. The R&D Survey covers a 12-month period corresponding with the sectoral financial year. For the business, government, science councils and NPO sectors this is from 1 April to 31 March, or the nearest complete financial year. In the higher education sector the calendar year is surveyed, ending 31 December. The Statistical Report is published annually and provides summary analysis of the survey data. The survey covers the sectors that perform R&D in South Africa: The business enterprise sector, comprising large, medium and small enterprises, including state-owned enterprises. The government sector, comprising national, provincial and local government with an R&D component; government research institutions and museums. The higher education sector, comprising all public and private higher education institutions with an R&D component. The not-for-profit sector, comprising non-governmental and other organisations formally registered as not-for-profit institutions. The science council sector, comprising the seven science councils established through Acts of Parliament. This approach is followed to maintain consistency with the institutional sector categorisation recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in The Measurement of Scientific and Technological Activities: Proposed Standard Practice for Surveys on Research and Experimental Development, known as the Frascati Manual (OECD, 2015). The split of government into two sectors - a government sector and a science council sector - is an adjustment for the South African situation.