The development of the health biotechnology sector in South Africa.

摘要

This is a qualitative study of the South African health biotechnology sector. This study uses the National System of Innovation (NSI) framework as a conceptual tool to identify and analyze the factors that encourage and/or hinder the development of the health biotechnology in South Africa. This study aims at gaining an insight of how the sector has developed within the NSI framework and provide lessons for other developing countries on how to develop a local capacity and effectively harness health biotechnology innovations to improve health. This study identifies the main themes that have arguably influenced the development of the health biotechnology in the country. These themes include, the exploitation of indigenous knowledge together with science based innovations, the importance of adopting a biotechnology strategy that identifies new opportunities and a competitive edge, the importance of knowledge networks and mission oriented strategies that target local health needs.