Role of R&D (research and development) in transport infrastructure in South Africa

Abstract

The current status of South Africa's infrastructure is analysed with emphasis on transport infrastructure. The role of Science, Engineering and Technology as well as associated Research and Development in supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure for South Africa is discussed. World-wide questions are asked about the status of infrastructure and the required actions towards sustainable infrastructure provision. The current poor state of infrastructure in south Africa and the lack of skilled professionals in the Infrastructure sector demand an increased focus on the development of new knowledge, engineering technologies and skilled human resources. In spite of current government policy in South Africa that R&D (research and development) expenditure must be increased to a minimum of one per cent of GDP, there is currently a lack of focus in the national R&D agenda and in in government departments on transport-related research. A list of potential focus areas for future transport research in South Africa was compiled from local and international information. the stumbling blocks in the process of R&D procurement and co-ordination are discussed and some recommendations made to improve the current situation.