The CSIR Strategic Partnerships portfolio aims to enable clear understanding of national imperatives and the needs of industry to optimise the impact of the CSIR’s R&D outputs. It leverages public, private and international partnerships in support of cutting-edge science, engineering and technology (SET).
The organisation has clients in both the private sector (micro, small, medium and large enterprises; formal and informal), as well as in the public sector (national, provincial and local government). The organisation also deals with public enterprises and institutions, national safety and security establishments, and development structures. Regionally and abroad, the CSIR fosters partnerships and a network of clients and partner organisations as part of a global sphere of influence on matters of technology. The CSIR liaises closely with tertiary education institutions. With a strong emphasis on relevant and developmental work, it also has strong roots in various communities, and collaborates with a wide range of donors and funding agencies.
The CSIR aims to contribute to the national programme of development, perform relevant knowledge generating research and transferring technology and skilled human capital, and strengthen the science and technology base.
The Frascati Manual defines R&D as creative work undertaken systematically to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of humanity, culture and society, and the use of this knowledge to devise new applications. At the CSIR, the research, development and innovation (RDI) chain encompasses, what we term, types A, B and C research:
- Type A refers to directed basic or applied research that explores the underlying nature of a system
- Type B talks to experimental development that typically results in a new prototype, which captures new knowledge into a product, service or policy
- Type C is technology transfer, the first step of knowledge application.
The CSIR operates with two kinds of R&D income, each with its own purpose. The Parliamentary Grant is used for strengthening the CSIR’s S&T base – knowledge, people and infrastructure. Secondly, Contract R&D income is derived from performing contract research for clients in the public and private sectors, locally and abroad, on specific programmes, initiatives and projects.
All R&D work contributes to the National System of Innovation (NSI).