South Africa's National Research Big Data Strategy, approved by the Department of Science and Innovation, is a significant policy initiative aimed at advancing the country's National System of Innovation and aligning with strategic national priorities. The strategy emphasizes the development of human capital, Entrepreneurial networkship, and the establishment of a competitive digital economy that integrates the public, private, and academic sectors. The strategy underscores the importance of data interoperability by advocating for the development of advanced cyberinfrastructures and fostering collaboration across various sectors. This approach facilitates the seamless exchange and integration of research data, thereby enhancing the accessibility and usability of data across different platforms and disciplines. The National Big Data Strategy for Research, Development and Innovation not only aligns with government STI strategies, but also supports policies such as the data and cloud policy drafted by the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies.
National Big Strategy
Abstract
Country | South Africa |
Start date | 2022 |
Annual Budget | n/a |
Responsible organisation(s) | Ministry |
Target group(s) | Higher education institutes|National government|Public research institutes|Subnational government |
Policy instrument type | Strategies, agendas and plans |
The formulation process of South Africa's National Research Big Data Strategy incorporated insights from both local and international experts, as well as analyses of global big data strategies, to tailor an approach suitable for South Africa's unique context.
The National Integrated Cyberinfrastructure System (NICIS), managed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), is actively executing prioritized activities from the strategy. These include developing specialized human capital, deploying advanced cyberinfrastructure, and fostering collaboration across public and private sectors to build a competitive digital economy.
To develop the next generation of R&D expertise and skills to derive knowledge from big data and advance the frontiers of big data science.
To build and sustain a world-class and relevant national cyberinfrastructure with allied services that enable and advance big data RD&I.
To foster a thriving and collaborative ecosystem of big data research innovation that links government, academia and the private sector.
To adopt standards and policies supporting the practices of open data and open science principles, and ensure interoperability and compliance with privacy, ethical and legal regulations.
To maintain an overarching and coherent national approach to investments in big data initiatives and activities.
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