Success Factors for Creating Spin-Out Companies by South African Publicly Financed Research and Development Institutions: A Resource-Based View Perspective

Technology commercialisation using spin-out companies has shown to be a viable option by publicly financed research and development (R&D) institutions internationally. In South Africa (SA) this trend of spin-out company creation for technology commercialisation is anticipated to be on the rise since the inception of the Intellectual Property Rights from Publicly Financed Research and Development Act number 51 of 2008 (IPR-PFRD Act). This study aimed at trying to understand the factors that influence the successful creation of spin-out companies by SA publicly financed R&D institutions, utilising the RBV as the main theoretical framework. A survey questionnaire was distributed using a purposive sample approach to 49 key individuals (technology transfer professionals) who have been involved in spin-out creation in the past and the response was received from 17 respondents. A mixed methods research methodology was utilised and the data was presented using descriptive statistics and narration. The results of the data indicate a similar pattern to international trends and in some instances unique resource combinations that are relevant to SA

The Impact of Knowledge-Based Economy on Growth Performance: Evidence from South Africa

This article seeks to measure and evaluate the impact of knowledge-based economy on growth performance in South Africa. The study focuses in identifying specific economic pillars that enhance growth performance in South Africa. Although transition from traditional to knowledge-based economy appears structural, the course to digital innovation guides adaptation to the global change. Following the World Bank KAM (knowledge assessment methodology), this article uses data analysis from the 2007 to 2016 to highlighted economic transition in the recent decade. This article uses quantitative methods to analyse secondary data collected from various websites such as SA Statistics, organisation for the Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) as well as the World bank that publish South African economic data. Data analysis is done using SPSS software version 26 as a major statistical tool for advance data interpretation. However, the study is limited to yearly data frequency compared to quarterly or monthly frequency since statistical data are mostly published per year. The empirical results showed that 67% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is explained by the dependent variables namely FDI 9Foreign Direct Investment), R&D 9Research and Development), trade ICT (Information, Communication and Technology) and Computer balance as well as literacy. Innovation system, economic regime, information infrastructure as well as human resources’ elements are statistically significant in improving economic growth in South Africa with a correlation matrix of 81%. Data interpretation showed that transition from traditional to knowledge-based economy is a key driver of national economic prosperity that guarantees long-term survival. Suggestions from the study stipulates that decision-makers should ensure efficiency of knowledge-based economy structure through definition and application of knowledge-related policies tailored to the country’s specifications. The proposed conceptual framework will guide the implementation of successful knowledge-based economy that will enrich growth performance in South Africa