Overview
The Strategic Research Alliances Sub-Portfolio supports CSIR to build and enhance competence in priority research areas, advance human capital development objectives, and provides guidance on roles and responsibilities in managing research relationships. The sub-portfolio advances the CSIR mandate, which emphasises partnerships and alliances, and the CSIR strategic objectives, particularly strengthening the science and technology base of the organisation.
The work of the sub-portfolio is aligned with the goals of the R&D Outcomes and Strategic Human Capital Development portfolio within which it is located. These goals include initiating and strengthening programmes aimed at building human capital for the benefit of the CSIR and South Africa, and developing and servicing quality research relationships and alliances nationally and internationally.
Close collaboration is maintained with the Research and Development portfolio which is responsible for developing and directing the organisation’s science and technology strategy; and Strategic Contract Research and Development whose primary purpose is to oversee the development and management of the CSIR contract R&D portfolio. The SRA sub-portfolio is guided by the Science and Technology strategy as well as the HCD Strategy and Plan.
CSIR has Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on research collaboration with:
- University of Cape Town (UCT);
- University of Stellenbosch (US);
- University of Johannesburg (UJ);
- University of Witwatersrand (Wits)
- University of Pretoria (UP)
The MoUs are being implemented by initiating joint research projects, including through the Cooperation Fund. With respect to UCT, UJ, and Wits, scholarship agreements that provide for the training of students in areas of priority have also been concluded.
Several other stakeholders such as CSIR Strategic Research Managers and the Group Manager: Strategic Human Capital Development have a role in developing and managing research relationships. Their roles and responsibilities are explained in the Guideline on the Management of CSIR Strategic Research Relationships.
Relationships with several tertiary education institutions (TEIs) are either being initiated or are being expanded. This initiative is with respect to University of KwaZulu Natal, Walter Sisulu University of Technology, University of Venda, University of Limpopo, University of Fort Hare and Tshwane University of Technology.
Each year an overall assessment of the state of CSIR Strategic Research Relationships is prepared. A separate report on the relationship with UCT is also available.
The CSIR also has relationships with research institutions and alliances regionally and globally. CSIR staff collaborate with researchers from other member organisations of the Global Research Alliance through the development of joint projects.
The activities of the Regional Research Alliance are being directed through a strategic plan.