Harnessing the economic and social benefits of open innovation in South Africa

Innovation has become an important factor in the competitiveness of firms and to countries. There is evidence for innovative firms having engaged in open practices. This policy brief evaluates the openness of innovation processes and systems of South African business enterprises to external cooperation partners. Further, it explores how open innovation is supported by existing South African innovation policies/strategies. On the basis of these analyses, a review of relevant literature, and the findings of a research study on open innovation, this policy brief makes recommendations for harnessing the economic and social benefits of open innovation.