The authors address the following question in this policy brief: "How are current public policy goals and instruments aligned with the Department of Science and Technology's (DST) goal to promote science, technology and innovation (STI)-enabled inclusive development through a national IID strategy". Addressing this question is a major challenge considering the complexity of South Africa's development policy framework. We identify possibilities and challenges for improving alignment in policy, based on a systematic analysis of policy intent as articulated in key policy documents promoting innovation and/or socioeconomic development across nine government departments.
Human Sciences Research Council (2026) studied this question.