Green R&D at a glance 2017/18: South African National Survey of Research and Experimental Development. Fact sheet 32

Abstract

It is globally acknowledged that green R&D is vital to promote sustainable development and mitigate the risks of climate change.1 Research and experimental development considered 'green' typically focuses on new or significantly improved products and processes that seek to reduce environmental impacts and better manage resources.2 In the context of South Africa and the world's pressing environmental challenges like climate change, the case for investment in green R&D could not be more urgent or compelling. This Fact Sheet shows that, in 2017/18, public sector investment in green R&D far outweighed investment by businesses and civil society organisations, commanding more than three-quarters of total expenditure. Spending is also on the increase, across all institutional sectors. As South Africa grapples with its energy transition, policy makers from all sectors should, however, be concerned that energy-related green R&D is proportionally low in comparison to domains such as farming or environmental management.