A nanotechnology-foresight perspective of South Africa

Abstract

This paper presents a foresight perspective of nanotechnology in South Africa based on a 20-year period scientometric analysis of the country’s nanotechnology publications on the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection. Firstly, publication trends are reported; then, possible socio-economic relevant sectors arising from this information are determined. Lastly, indicators that can be used in foresight exercises to evaluate the potential nanotechnology research areas in South Africa are examined. The 20-year review is also compared with the recent past year, 2019, to identify any changing trends. South Africa’s nanotechnology publications per year grew exponentially from 68 papers in 2000 to 1672 in 2019, an increase of 2459%. The total share of nanotech publications increased from 1.4% in 2000 to 6.6% in 2019, thus a 0.52% increase per year. Compared with Brazil, Russia, India and China, the BRICS countries, South Africa has the lowest nanotechnology productivity with an activity index of 0.68. Over the last 5 years, South Africa nanotech publications had a Hirsch-index of 94 and an average citations rate of 12.76 per paper. Universities are the most prominent publishers, and there are very few publications from the private sector, which can negatively impact the commercialisation of nanotechnology research. The top 10 most prolific researchers, author or co-author over 20% of the nanotechnology papers are reported. A mixture of old and new top researchers’ names suggests succession planning in the system as the years progress. The emergence of computer science as one of the top 20 subjects publishing in nanotech in 2019 and a high level of researcher collaboration suggests possible convergence of nanotech, information technology and artificial intelligence in South Africa. The strategic socio-economic-focused nanotechnology research areas identified for South Africa include material science, photoluminance and optics, medicine, catalysis, electronics, energy, biotech, magnetism, sensors, water and communicable diseases. The top collaborating countries, top researchers, top institutions and nanotechnology economic hubs are reported for each strategic research area. The level of innovation was evaluated using the nanotechnology value chain, and there is a meagre 3.5% of papers reporting on nano-enabled products.

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“…In contrast, South African researchers have used nanotechnology to reach milestones in nanomedicine, sensors, magnetism, catalysis, phosphors and optics, electronics, energy, nanobiotechnology, water research and communicable diseases. 16,17 Unlike Nigeria which lacks specific budget for nanotechnology, South Africa invested about USD77.5 million on nanotechnology R&D between 2005 and 2012 18 and additionally committed USD28.6 million to her national nanotechnology equipment programme to support nanotechnology infrastructure as of 2015 19 , thereby laying a very solid foundation for the country in the pursuit of nanotechnology enterprise by universities, research councils and even private entities.…”

“…Nigeria was the most collaborating nation in Africa with South Africa on nanotechnology, with these collaborations accounting for 5.2% (585) of the publications of South Africa in the Web of Science during 2000-2019. 17 Several notable researchers in nanotechnology in Nigeria have footprints in South Africa, either through training or collaboration 14 ; these experiences can benefit Nigeria in developing its roadmap for nanotechnology. The national policy on nanotechnology that is long overdue must be enacted without further delay, and should address the aggressive and sustainable funding of nanotechnology initiatives in the country through improved budgetary allocation to education, science, technology and innovation.…”

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“…In South Africa, extensive investment in the RDI landscape of nanotechnology formally began in 2005, with the launch of the National Nanotechnology Strategy [ 24 ]. Since this time, nanotechnology postgraduate training programs, research and development infrastructure, publications, patents, products, and companies have emanated [ 24 , 25 ]. National nanotechnology characterization centers include those at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research ( ; accessed on 1 October 2021) and the Department of Science and Innovation nanotechnology innovation centers for sensors and bio-labeling, located at Rhodes University and the University of the Western Cape, respectively [ 24 ].…”

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“…They have broad prospects in various fields, such as bioengineering, aerospace, military, and industry. Therefore, research on the mechanical behavior of nanomaterial structures is constantly emerging [1][2][3][4].…”