Final Technology Trends

This investigation has been initiated by the dti, in order to identify technology trends both locally and abroad and develop supporting actions for the country’s industries. The report set the objective “to identify global technology trends, which will influence the competitiveness and future development of South African industries, with specific focus on identifying areas for innovation so as to reduce industrial dependency on foreign technology, whilst ensuring that appropriate programmes are offered to promote innovation and technology” (terms of reference of the dti study on technology trends). 

The report is based on an extensive national and international literature review; the development of a number of technology related indicators; patent and bibliometric analysis of South Africa and a number of other countries; review of the available technology incentives locally; and a survey of national stakeholders. The literature review is covering trends in technology development; country rankings
according to technological and manufacturing performance; best practices in technology support; and identified research/technology priorities. The countries/regions emphasised are USA, Japan, European Union, United Kingdom, Brazil, India, Korea and Malaysia.