Issued by: Ministry of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology
MEDIA STATEMENT : MINISTRY OF ARTS, CULTURE, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
The results of the 18th Survey of Resources for Research and Development, which covers the 1993/94 financial year of the respondents, are now being released. The report supplies information regarding funds and human resources devoted to research and development (R&D) during that period.
The results show that South Africa's expenditure on R&D stood at R2,6 billion, which was 0,75% of its gross domestic product. This outstrips the expenditure of some developing countries (Brazil 0,39%, Mexico 0,21% and Egypt 0,20%), but lags behind most countries which are competitive in the international economy (South Korea 1,90%, Canada 1,51%, Denmark 1,69%, Australia 1,34% and Taiwan 1,79%).
Researcher worker years were approximately 11 per 10 000 workers in South Africa. In leading economies such as the USA, Germany and Japan, this figure ranges from 50 to 75.
The business sector was responsible for the largest slice of expenditure on R&D,namely 54%, government for 32% and the tertiary education sector for 13%.
About 13% of the expenditure was allocated for basic research, 41% for applied research and 47% for experimental development.
Copies of the report are available from:-
The Department of Arts, Culture, Science & Technology Private Bag X894, PRETORIA, 0001 Fax: (012) 323-8308 Email: wb04@acst2.pwv.gov.za
Contact: Frans Basson 021 454850/70