Amid various challenges facing the development of particular innovation systems and the advancement of research in South Africa, mineral research organisation Mintek research infrastructure and integrity officer Siphelele Mafuleka has stressed the importance of research infrastructure and how it can advance research, development and innovation (RDI).

Speaking on the first day of a national online discussion forum hosted by the National Science and Technology Forum, on August 13, she argued that research infrastructure, which comprises physical, digital and human resources, can help support RDI activities.

She stated that good research infrastructure could enable the conducting of “cutting-edge” research.

“These infrastructure support RDI activities across the value chain . . .  ensure that there's capacity for researchers to undertake excellent research and development and deliver on innovation outcome,” she said.

She added that the research and development outcomes help attract more business and generate additional income.

During her presentation, Mafuleka also outlined some of the challenges that hindered the acquisition and effective use of research infrastructure.

This includes insufficient funding to acquire, upgrade and maintain infrastructure, which could limit the effective use the research infrastructure.

Moreover, technological challenges, regulatory requirements and obstacles pertaining to research infrastructure approvals were also challenging, she added.

To overcome some of these challenges in its own organization, Mafuleka noted that Mintek sought local collaboration opportunities with private and public institutions.

She pointed out that such collaboration, along with the sharing of research infrastructure, could contribute to cost savings for researchers.

“The road to sustainable growth in RDI is accelerated through innovation. This will lead to increased RDI financing, and what is important is that researchers should be encouraged to be collaborative. Collaboration is a key element towards the sustainable research practice,” said Mafuleka.