Nomalungelo Gina Calls for R&D Boost, Industry Uptake at Innovation Week 2026

Dr Gina warned that South Africa faces a serious skills mismatch, particularly in emerging sectors driven by advanced technologies.

Reinforcing South Africa’s ambition to become a globally competitive innovation-driven economy, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Nomalungelo Gina, has called for stronger investments in research, better industry collaboration, and urgent skills development to power industrialisation.

Speaking at the opening of South African Innovation Week (SAIW) 2026 at Nasrec, Johannesburg, Dr Gina described innovation as the “lifeblood of any forward-looking country”, emphasizing that nations leading in innovation are those that create, rather than import, technological solutions.

R&D Investment Target: From 1% to 1.5% of GDP

Highlighting the government’s long-term strategy, Dr Gina pointed to the Science, Technology and Innovation Decadal Plan (2022–2032), which aims to significantly scale up investment in research and innovation.

• Current Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD): ~1% of GDP

• Target under Decadal Plan: 1.5% of GDP

She acknowledged that R&D remains underfunded, particularly from the private sector, limiting South Africa’s ability to develop and commercialise homegrown technologies.

“All fast-growing economies are driven by strong investments in R&D and a robust system for commercialising prototypes,” she said.

Innovation Gap: From Prototype to Market Still a Challenge

A major concern flagged by the Deputy Minister was the disconnect between research institutions and industry adoption.

She noted that:

• Institutions like the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and universities host numerous technology prototypes and demonstrators

• However, many of these innovations fail to transition into commercial use

“The private sector is not taking up technologies that are ready for diffusion into the economy,” she said.

To bridge this gap, the government is focusing on:

• Strengthening industry partnerships

• Improving technology transfer mechanisms

• Supporting commercialisation and intellectual property (IP) registration

Skills Crisis Threatens Future Economy

Dr Gina warned that South Africa faces a serious skills mismatch, particularly in emerging sectors driven by advanced technologies.

Key challenges include:

• Rising unemployment among graduates with non-aligned skill sets

• Shortage of expertise in AI, digital technologies, and STEM fields

• Rapid evolution of the gig and digital economy

“We must urgently build a pipeline of STEM professionals who can drive the new economy,” she said.

The government is prioritizing education and training reforms to align skills with future industry demands.

Innovation as Engine of Industrialisation

The Deputy Minister emphasized that innovation is central to:

• Economic growth

• Industrial development

• Global competitiveness

She called for a coordinated, ecosystem-wide approach, warning against fragmented efforts across sectors.

Breaking Silos: A Unified Innovation Ecosystem

To strengthen the innovation ecosystem, the government is advocating:

• Pooling of funding instruments across agencies

• Integration of efforts across government, academia, and industry

• Enhanced support for research, development, and commercialisation

“Ecosystem-wide coordination is fundamental to success,” she said.

The department’s guiding vision is captured in its mantra:“Placing Science, Technology and Innovation at the Centre of Government, Education, Industry and Science.”

South African Innovation Week 2026: A National Platform

The SAIW 2026 serves as a flagship platform bringing together:

• Innovators and researchers

• Industry leaders and investors

• Policymakers and academic institutions

The week-long programme features provincial innovation engagements across South Africa, aimed at:

• Showcasing cutting-edge technologies

• Facilitating partnerships and investment

• Driving dialogue on policy and innovation strategy

Way Forward: Building a Competitive Innovation Economy

As South Africa seeks to reposition itself in the global innovation landscape, the government’s focus will remain on:

• Increasing R&D funding

• Accelerating commercialization of technologies

• Closing the skills gap

• Strengthening public-private collaboration

Dr Gina’s address underscores a clear message: innovation is no longer optional—it is central to South Africa’s economic future.