Susan Cozzens, Associate Dean for Research and Professor of Public Policy, has been working with South Africa’s Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) on measuring science, technology, and innovation. 

Cozzens met with HSRC leadership and researchers in South Africa this fall as a follow-up to HRSC CEO Olive Shisana’s visit to Georgia Tech in November 2010 to explore possible collaborations. 

The 2011 meeting focused on areas of common interest between Georgia Tech and the HRSC such as measuring and developing science, technology, and innovation indicators. Discussions included innovation in the informal sector (businesses that operate outside government regulation); the need to benchmark and develop policy briefs on the impact of R&D and innovation surveys on the knowledge-based economy; and the role of women in science and technology. Projects are also being developed on factors that contribute to effective public service delivery in cities.

Cozzens was in South Africa in connection with her research on nanotechnology in society, and is pursuing collaborative work with HSRC researchers on the impacts in the South African economy of nanotechnology applications in water, energy, and agrifood.