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    Technological and economic catch up in the biotechnology sectoral innovation system in South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Moonsamy, Ghaneshree; Soumonni, Ogundiran
    Based on the global drive to move towards knowledge-based economies, several countries have identified biotechnology as a sector of interest for economic development. South Africa too, has identified this sector as a means to stimulate economic growth, bridge the inequality gap and reduce unemployment. Despite significant efforts to date, the impact and performance of the biotechnology sector on the socio-economic status of South Africa has been uninspiring. This study aims to evaluate the existing biotech-based sectoral system of innovation and assess potential pathways that may be undertaken to achieve technological and eventual economic catch-up by the country. Windows of opportunity that may entail technological, demand and institutional/public policies were also evaluated. This study used a mixed method approach, which firstly assessed the performance of the South African biotech sectoral system of innovation (SSI) in comparison to five other countries of interest. Thereafter, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 participants involved in the biotech triple helix system of innovation. Key findings indicated that South Africa performed poorly in comparison to other countries evaluated, which included the USA, Germany, Mexico, India and Singapore. Regardless of having pockets of excellence and enabling mechanisms such as supporting policies and available infrastructure, organisational capabilities and a highly fragmented national system of innovation are major limitations of the sector. These findings present a key message in that further, significant efforts are required to build on existing capabilities such that the country is able to increase its global standing in terms of biotech-based innovation. As a developing, upper middle income county, South Africa is unfortunately way of the mark in terms of economic catch up, however pathways of catch-up, specifically technology, demand and policy windows of opportunity do exist and need to be harnessed.
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    Technology Drivers of Innovation Competitiveness in Biotechnology Entrepreneurship in Gauteng, South Africa
    (University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2024) Tile, Sibahle; Ayodele, Ademola
    Biotechnology entrepreneurship is a rapidly growing field with significant potential for economic development and innovation. However, most of the existing empirical research in this field has been conducted in developed economies, which may not directly apply to the unique context of developing economies like South Africa. In developing countries, including South Africa issues related to human health, food security, renewable resources, and environmental sustainability that biotechnology solutions address are more prevalent, alongside challenges of socio-economic development, unemployment, and low global competitiveness. These challenges emphasize the significance of entrepreneurship, particularly biotechnology entrepreneurship, in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the drivers influencing innovation competitiveness in biotechnology entrepreneurship and evaluate the relevance and effectiveness of technology push and demand-pull innovation of biotechnology entrepreneurship in Gauteng, South Africa. The research adopted a qualitative approach and was conducted through fourteen virtual one-on- one interviews with semi-structured questions. Purposive sampling was used to select biotechnology entrepreneurs involved in the agriculture and health biotechnology sectors with innovations in the biopharmaceuticals, agritech, agroprocessing medical devices and diagnostics industries. The data collected from the participants in the interviews was then thematically analysed to draw a conclusion based on the findings. Main findings included: key drivers influencing innovation competitiveness within the biotechnology entrepreneurship sector in South Africa, emphasizing access to the market, funding, government support, regulatory compliance, and specific market trends as crucial factors. Participants highlighted the significance of market access, government funding, and adherence to regulatory standards for innovation. Additionally, the study explored market, entrepreneurial, and technological capabilities essential for commercializing biotechnology innovations in Gauteng, stressing the importance of entrepreneurial acumen, market understanding, and technological proficiency. It also outlined key enablers such as a growing market and resource availability, alongside constraints like limited funding, skills shortages, and regulatory complexities. The study illustrated how challenges such as access to funding, skills shortages, and unrealistic regulatory standards hinder innovation within the technology push model, while opportunities such as a growing market and potential government support serve as enablers within the demand-pull model, fostering a conducive environment for innovation