Science and technology minister Naledi Pandor will unveil a roadmap for the deployment of infrastructure for research and innovation, in Cape Town this week.
In a statement, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) says the South African Research Infrastructure Roadmap will support the country's future investment needs and ensure researchers' access to world-class scientific knowledge.
This roadmap is the first of its kind in SA, says the statement. "[It] is a strategic intervention to provide research infrastructure across the entire public research system, building on existing capabilities, and taking into account future needs."
In terms of the DST's definition, infrastructure includes facilities, resources and services used by the scientific community across all disciplines for research, exchange and preservation of knowledge.
According to the department, the roadmap is an initiative of the European Commission and SA through the two parties' trade agreement.
"The roadmap will provide guidance to the DST on the deployment of infrastructure to enable research, development and innovation.
"The roadmap is a vital blueprint, which will allow the country to set national priorities and earmark funds for development and participation in pan-European research infrastructure activities," reads the statement.
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