NRF Annual Report 2018

PART A: STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
1.1.2 NRF mission
The South African research and development (R&D) system is small compared to the global R&D system. The country
contributes 0.4% to the global R&D spend, but produced 0.79% of global Web of Science (WoS) publications in 2017. This
represents an increase of 76% over five years. Given the need for the country to significantly increase influence in the
global science and technology arena, the organisational mission is:
MISSION
To contribute to the knowledge economy in South Africa by attaining at least 1% of the global R&D output by 2020
1.1.3 NRF values
The NRF values underpin the strategic intent of the organisation and inform its approach to delivering on its public mandate.
The values as shown in Figure 1 below, are grounded in inclusivity and a tapestry of individual, cultural and societal values
and ethics, and promote strength in diversity, equality, equity, community and sustainability.
FIGURE 1: NRF VALUES
VALUES
Passion for
excellence
World-class
service
Peoplecentred
Respect
Ethics &
integrity
Accountability
1.1.4 Strategic outcomes and objectives
The strategic outcomes and objectives were crafted to enable the organisation to deliver on its mandate. The NRF leverages
off the complementarity of its various and geographically dispersed business units. The NRF’s objectives integrate
seamlessly with the objectives of the DST and complement the objectives of the DHET and other government departments.
Figure 2 depicts the strategic outcomes and in Figure 3 shows the alignment between outcomes and objectives as
demonstrated through the use of colours that have been applied throughout this document.
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