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Producing Knowledge to Raise Rural Living Standards: How Universities Connect with Resource-Poor Municipalities in South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Peter T. Jacobs

    (Economic Performance and Development, Human Sciences Research Council)

  • Alexis Habiyaremye

    (Economic Performance and Development, Human Sciences Research Council)

  • Bhekiwe Fakudze

    (Economic Performance and Development, Human Sciences Research Council)

  • Kgabo Ramoroka

    (Economic Performance and Development, Human Sciences Research Council)

  • Siyanda Jonas

    (Economic Performance and Development, Human Sciences Research Council)

Abstract

This article explores the extent to which South African universities partake in science and innovations designed to raise the living standards of poor rural residents. It concentrates on how well universities have fulfilled their knowledge-production for societal benefit missions in practice, through a comparison of the performance of universities across three relevant initiatives. It contributes to the existing research by showcasing how user-oriented innovation value chains operate and the crucial roles of stakeholders along such chains to optimise benefits for people in resource-poor rural municipalities. Our findings suggest that the science-for-society value chain is non-linear, rather than a straight line as presumed by much of the existing research. As the government department leading South Africa’s innovation policy, the Department of Science and Technology has been instrumental in fostering a user-oriented mission among knowledge producers.

Suggested Citation

  • Peter T. Jacobs & Alexis Habiyaremye & Bhekiwe Fakudze & Kgabo Ramoroka & Siyanda Jonas, 2019. "Producing Knowledge to Raise Rural Living Standards: How Universities Connect with Resource-Poor Municipalities in South Africa," The European Journal of Development Research, Palgrave Macmillan;European Association of Development Research and Training Institutes (EADI), vol. 31(4), pages 881-901, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:eurjdr:v:31:y:2019:i:4:d:10.1057_s41287-019-0192-5
    DOI: 10.1057/s41287-019-0192-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Daniel A. Salas & Paulina Criollo & Angel D. Ramirez, 2021. "The Role of Higher Education Institutions in the Implementation of Circular Economy in Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-27, August.

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