Towards a relevant and sustainable R&D agenda for transport and transport infrastructure in South Africa

Abstract

The importance of transport and transport infrastructure was discussed in the previous chapter. Transport and transport infrastructure plays a significant role in both economic and social development. However, in the future transport officials and engineers will need to take cognisance of the environmental impact and sustainability of transport provision. This chapter analyses the drivers identified in the previous chapter and relates that to research, development and innovation activities world wide as well as indentified the gaps in knowledge and potential focus areas for a relevant R&D agenda in transport and transport infrastructure in South Africa. Recent investigations into the state of South Africa’s infrastructure and related policy and technology questions (SAICE 2006, Milford et al 2001) have indicated that, similarly to other countries, infrastructure in South Africa is not in good condition. In addition to the demand for environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions for transport problems, this also places emphasis on the need for key solutions to address the upgrading and maintenance of transport infrastructure. This chapter discusses the link between the drivers that will influence the future of transport in South Africa and the potential focus areas for developing new knowledge and technological solutions summarised in main Research and Development (R&D) themes and sub-themes.