The Impact of South African Doctoral Graduates on Innovation: A Mixed Methods Study of STEM Fields

This study looks to assess the South African National Planning Commission’s policy aimed at increasing the number of doctoral graduates produced to 5000 graduates annually by 2030. In particular, the rationale for this policy – especially applied to STEM graduates – as being facilitative of greater innovation outcomes and economic development in South Africa is investigated. This study aims to nuance policy around doctoral graduate production by investigating and describing optimal innovation system arrangements in South Africa that would facilitate greater invention, transfer and commercialisation of knowledge by South Africa’s STEM doctoral graduates after graduation.

Supervisor: Prof J Mouton, CREST, Stellenbosch University

Co-supervisor: Prof H Prozesky, CREST, Stellenbosch University