Strategic Research Advice Rationale The NRF/RSA is far more than a grant-making organisation, and its Strategic Research Advice function is fundamental and crucial to the organisation’s purpose for being The NRF/RSA should at all times provide impartial research advice in the interest of the nation

Strategic Research Advice Objectives To enable the organisation to provide leadership and direction with regard to the NSI To provide appropriate information (knowledge) about research (NSI) to key decision and policy makers (Government, NACI, etc., )

Strategic Research Advice Objectives (contd) To position the NRF as a key and leading organisation (nationally, regionally, and globally) in the field of S&T policy (i.e. policy studies) To strengthen the national S&T policy network and its linkages with global players To provide strategic advice that is required for the effective operation of the NRF/RSA

Strategic Research Advice KSAs The undertaking and procurement of analyses and investigations regarding the efficient and effective execution of the NRF/RSA functions The analysing and packaging of information on the status of S&T in South Africa for key stakeholders and policy makers in order to inform and direct the NSI and for the wider promotion of science science, research, innovation and technology at all levels The growth and maintenance of a high position and professional profile in the S&T policy and strategy arena

Strategic Research Advice KSAs (contd) The undertaking and procurement of analyses and investigations regarding the efficient and effective execution of the NRF/RSA functions Map the ways in which the NRF is currently meeting its internal needs for strategic advice Provide NRF/RSA information and advice to empower the research community for leveraging all kinds of S&T related opportunities

Strategic Research Advice KSAs (contd) The analysing and packaging of information on the status of S&T in South Africa for key stakeholders and policy makers in order to inform and direct the NSI and for the wider promotion of science science, research, innovation and technology at all levels Analyse the areas where the NRF is already fulfilling its necessary role of influence, and the areas where this is weak and assess and address these weaknesses Empower staff to play an effective role in the strategic advice function Debates and forums

Strategic Research Advice KSAs (contd) The growth and maintenance of a high position and professional profile in the S&T policy and strategy arena memberships publishing presentations strategic interventions

Strategic Research Advice Implementation paths/the way forward Establish appropriate systems and IT tools to enable the SRA function to be effective Strategic alliances at various levels (informal, working and strategic) Benchmarking with international partners Positioning and wider discussions