The number of new technologies under development in the first half of the year is “significantly” lower than its full-year target, says the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The reason for the lag, it says, is because of the “necessary delay between research and the development of an idea into a technology”.
The DST's update is contained in National Treasury's adjusted estimates of national expenditure, which forms part of the medium-term budget policy statement presented to Parliament by finance minister Pravin Gordhan this afternoon. The so-called mini-budget provides a mid-year update on revenue and expenditure for each department's fiscal year.
The science and technology department adds in the document that there has been a delay in the establishment of the Technology Innovation Agency, which will result in the estimate for next year's full budget being lower.
The Technology Innovation Agency will receive baseline funding of R406 million from savings achieved in other areas within the department. According to February's national budget, the agency was set to be operational by March next year. The DST did not provide an updated time frame.
Tech disappointment
The DST had aimed to develop 22 new technologies this year, but only succeeded in creating five new technologies in the first half of the year. The types of technologies were not detailed.
In addition, the department aims to create 17 new technology-based companies this year, but did not succeed in creating any during the first half of the year. The full-year estimate has not been changed.
However, the department says the number of learners benefiting from targeted mathematics, science, English, engineering and technology capacity-building programmes has overshot the initial estimate.
The DST had expected to aid 2 700 students during the year as part of its aim to boost the creation of a skilled and capable workforce. However, 3 150 learners have already benefited.
The initial estimate was based on 50 learners in grades 10 to 12 taking part. However, some schools have between 50 and 80 learners in grade 12 that are performing well, and the schools have extended support to all of them, states the DST's adjusted estimates of national expenditure report.
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