Government R&D impact on the South African macro-economy
Radhika Mia, David Mosaka, Lefentse Nokaneng & Rita Sikhondze
#2012-068
This paper analyses the impact of government R&D on the macro-economy of
South Africa. The empirical estimates of the impact of R&D are based on
the backward and forward linkages of a macro-economy, within a national
innovation system (NIS). There are structural implications of the study,
namely how R&D investments can result in the creation of new industries,
job creation and improved national productivity. The largest indirect
impact of R&D expenditure by public institutions and agencies is on
community services, financial and businesses and manufacturing, in terms
of employment and contribution to the country's GDP. Community services
are impacted through the backward linkages derived from the expenditure
by various research institutions on intermediate inputs such as water,
electricity and health. Describing and quantifying the linkages between
research, development and innovation and economic impacts provides a
basis for a greater understanding of the value the economy and its
sectors derive from R&D. The results of the analysis indicates that the
real economic significance of R&D lies not in spending, but in the
results achieved and is measured in terms of contribution to innovation
as a key determinant of economic and social wellbeing, productivity, and
growth and development.
Keywords: research and development (R&D), innovation, knowledge economy
indicators, input-output model, impact assessment
JEL Classification: R15, O38, O11