International patent applications and innovation in South Africa

Background: Experts recommend support to patents for stimulating innovation. Also, the South African government supports patents, in particular, international patents. In this paper it is examined how strategy can be designed successfully trigger economic progress.Aim: The present activities are investigated and areas identified where an intensification of patenting looks promising progress.Setting: patent since 1985 analysed compared annual export–import balance from 2009 2018, order identify starting points improving structures. data linked current suggestions National Advisory Council on Innovation (NACI) future technologies.Methods: analysis performed, using database PATSTAT, as well at WITS World Bank.Results: reveals a low level domestic with focus less complex goods stagnation period 35 years. export – import show negative figures consumer even more so capital goods.Conclusion: Economic progress accelerated by produce goods. However, may necessary certain beginning achieve sufficient critical mass competence competitiveness. any case, only successful when closely regarding technology.