Participation in government policy-focused research

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) actively engages in policy-focused research through robust collaborations with various government departments, addressing critical socio-economic and developmental challenges in South Africa.

Transformative Innovation Policy in South Africa (TIP-SA)

In partnership with the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and the Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) at the Human Sciences Research Council, UJ co-convenes the Transformative Innovation Policy in South Africa (TIP-SA) initiative. This collaboration aims to foster a community of practice that explores innovative approaches to address complex societal and environmental challenges. The initiative focuses on developing knowledge resources, such as masterclasses and workshops, and provides mentorship to teams designing transformative strategies. The long-term goal is to build national capacity for policy experimentation, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of innovation policies in South Africa. citeturn0search0

Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO)

UJ is a key partner in the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), a collaborative venture with the Gauteng Provincial Government and other academic institutions. The GCRO serves as a bridge between government and academia, facilitating the translation of academic expertise into actionable policy insights. It focuses on data collection, analysis, and visualisation to inform policy decisions that promote sustainable development and improved governance within the Gauteng city-region. This partnership exemplifies UJ’s commitment to evidence-based policy-making through academic-government collaboration. citeturn0search9

South African Research Chair in Industrial Development

UJ hosts the South African Research Chair in Industrial Development, led by Professor Fiona Tregenna. This chair, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation and administered by the National Research Foundation, focuses on research areas such as deindustrialisation, structural change, and industrial policy. The insights generated inform national economic policies and strategies aimed at fostering industrial development and economic growth. Professor Tregenna’s involvement in governmental advisory panels, including the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, further underscores the integration of UJ’s research expertise into national policy frameworks. citeturn0search11

Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI)

The Public Affairs Research Institute (PARI), affiliated with UJ, conducts in-depth research on governance and public administration. Founded by Dr. Ivor Chipkin, PARI examines the performance of government institutions, focusing on issues such as corruption and state capacity. Its research outputs have significantly influenced public policy debates and reforms, particularly concerning state capture and governance challenges in South Africa. PARI’s work exemplifies UJ’s commitment to producing research that directly informs and shapes public policy. citeturn0search10

Through these strategic collaborations and research initiatives, the University of Johannesburg demonstrates a steadfast commitment to policy-focused research that addresses pressing societal challenges, thereby contributing to the formulation and implementation of effective public policies in South Africa.