role of the Square Kilometre Array in South Africa’s economic development strategy

Abstract

This study was undertaken to understand factors inhibiting and enabling the impact of the Square Kilometre Array South Africa (SKA SA) on the South African knowledge economy. A critical review of relevant literature revealed four themes, which are considered to be the main pillars crucial for engendering a knowledge economy: institutions, interrelationships, innovation and individuals. These pillars form the basis for the 4I model developed in this paper, the relevance of which in stimulating a knowledge economy was investigated. This study revealed no additional pillars, thus validating the 4I model in relation to SKA SA’s contribution to the knowledge economy. SKA SA’s success is underpinned by open and inclusive institutions, fostering and leveraging interrelationships, promoting innovation that may be commercialised, and attracting, retaining and training suitable individuals. Furthermore, this study provides a deeper insight into the 4I model by revealing new sub-themes that apply in a broader context, including the role of a nation’s inherent competitive advantage in informing its competitive and innovation strategy, the nature of interrelationships that may be multidimensional, and politically astute leadership that is crucial for the ongoing support of a publicly funded project. This deeper understanding of the 4I model forms a basis for strengthening each pillar and its impact on the knowledge economy.

The first image of the Milky Way’s central black hole and the unique enhancement Africa could offer future tests of gravity

“…As has been demonstrated with the MeerKAT telescope, the precursor to the Square Kilometre Array, the impact of innovative mega-projects on human capacity and technology development is profound. 20 Perhaps a deeper legacy of African EHT stations would be to spur further innovation, inspire local youths to excellence, and foster greater equality in science collaboration between the Global South and the rest of the world.…”

Think: Theory for Africa

“…African researchers and collaborators are progressively initiating strategies to develop and grow neuroscience expertise through national [9,10], research-domain [11], and education and/or outreach programs [12]. Research-level capacity in quantitative disciplines is being enhanced throughout Africa by initiatives such as the African Institute for Mathematical Science (AIMS), Square Kilometer Array (SKA) [13], the Human Hereditary & Health in Africa (H3Africa) [14], and more neuroscience-focused training organisations such as TReND in Africa and the IBRO. Hallmark features of these initiatives are the integration of local and international expertise as well as sharing of resources.…”