The Importance of Research in Economic Growth (2024)

The Importance of Research in Economic Growth (1)

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Urban-Econ:NIKELA The Importance of Research in Economic Growth (2)

Urban-Econ:NIKELA

A niche consultancy providing advisory services in the skills, emerging technology and resource efficiency space

Published Jul 6, 2023

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People have always sought innovation, more efficient ways of working, and improved livelihoods. This can be seen in how the nature of work has changed since the first Industrial Revolution. Development does not fall like “manna from heaven”. It requires practical and innovative measures that are context-based and taken in a timely manner. Additionally, it is driven by the economy, which – in turn – is driven by the nature of work.

Certain economists argue that development is a product of intentional human action. It cannot be achieved without systematic data collection, organisation, and analysis (Ezell and Andes, 2016). Therefore, it is impossible to talk about development and innovation without considering how best to undertake research.

Research is important for enabling economic growth and plays a large role in policy formation. In addition, research is essential for projecting how the nature of work is likely to evolve and thus in helping a country to prepare for this evolution. The World Bank (2023) notes that through investing in research, China’s economy improved to a point where its people have seen significant improvements in health, education, and other services. The United States of America, South Korea, and Rwanda are a few other countries that have invested in research and, as a result, have seen GDP growth. Furthermore, research is considered central to bringing about meaningful development in Africa.

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Research played a paramount role during COVID-19 as it helped bring about policies geared to helping South Africa manage the pandemic. This was witnessed in the government’s response to the SMME challenge during COVID-19 through the Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan (ERRP) (South African Government, 2020). In his 2022 State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa highlighted the need to cut down on red tape and announced an additional support scheme for SMMEs (de Silva, 2022). Therefore, to enhance self-reliance and sustainable collective development, it was declared that the focus should be on the creation of sustainable economic activities. The ERRP would not have been possible, nor would it reach its mandate in the absence of thorough research.

As mentioned above, the nature of work is changing. Therefore, there is a need for South Africa to explore how it should position itself in relation to this shift. Adapting to change in the workplace will require skills planning, skills repurposing, upskilling, and reskilling. Experts will have to undertake contextual research.

Urban-Econ:Nikela (Nikela) is a research consulting firm- that has worked with the government, private institutions and development organisations- whose contribution towards development is conducting rigorous and good-quality research that will yield future-focused solutions. The company name comes from a Nguni (Xhosa/Zulu) word meaning to contribute, offer, pass to, give, or donate. Born out of Urban-Econ Development Economists, with a track record of more than 35 years, and a committed team, we contribute towards skills development, enterprise and entrepreneurship, new and emerging industries, environmental economics, implementation efficiency, and people-centred development.

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The Importance of Research in Economic Growth (2024)

FAQs

The Importance of Research in Economic Growth? ›

Research is important for enabling economic growth and plays a large role in policy formation. In addition, research is essential for projecting how the nature of work is likely to evolve and thus in helping a country to prepare for this evolution.

How does research and development help economic growth? ›

It can lead to the development of significantly new or different technologies or industries. Applied research can feed through to productivity and growth more quickly by improving existing products and process.

How does research impact the economy? ›

Economic. Research has tangible economic impact beyond providing information that may help us increase our efficiency and productivity across sectors. . Products drive our economy, and new inventions draw from scientific knowledge and understanding.

Why is research important to social and economic development? ›

In summary, social research bridges the gap between knowledge and action, driving both social progress and economic growth. It informs policies, strategies, and investments that lead to a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous society.

What is the role of research in growth and development? ›

Research plays a crucial role in development by contributing to economic growth, innovation, competitiveness, and the improvement of living standards. It helps increase productivity and supports the output production process.

Do researchers affect economic growth? ›

Much empirical and theoretical work emphasizes that research and development (R&D) is an important contributor to economic growth. R&D spending is likely to lead to growth through its positive effect on innovation and total factor productivity (TFP) (Romer, 1990; Lucas, 1988).

What are the roles of research in economics? ›

Research plays a crucial role in promoting economic growth and development among countries in several ways: Technological Advancements: Research leads to technological advancements that drive economic growth. Through scientific research and development, new technologies, products, and processes are created.

What is the importance of research in economics business? ›

Research gives the fundamental to about all administration strategies in our economic framework. Research gives the premise to almost all administration approaches in our economic framework. Research has its uncommon centrality in taking care of different operational and arranging issues of business and industry.

What is the importance of research? ›

The importance of research is to increase human knowledge, enrich science, generate progress, improve quality of life, promote innovation, and share scientific findings with the public. The importance of research is to enhance knowledge, bring about changes, and improve the quality of education and life.

What is economic research? ›

Economic research has given birth to what is commonly known as positive accounting theory. According to Jensen (1976), this is a theory capable of explaining '…why accounting is what it is, and what consequences accounting figures have on people and on the allocation of resources.

How can research be used in improving the quality of life of the people? ›

Research improves services and treatments not just for you but also for future generations. It helps develop new tests for diagnosis, treatments and processes that could eventually help your children, or even your grandchildren. You may gain access to treatments that are not yet readily available to the general public.

How can research contribute to the development of a country? ›

When we build a nation, then we need a strong financial investment and only research make this investment succeed. As we see our society is changing day by day and basic needs are also changing, so we need a lot of applications of science and technology. Without research, we will have no development in nation.

Why is research important in community development? ›

It can highlight problems and concerns. Research can support and justify action and show the way to developing solutions.

What is the role of research in social development? ›

Social research helps us understand different people and societies. Information gathered from the research can help us predict the behaviour of certain individuals or groups. When we have a good understanding of a social phenomenon, we may have a better idea of how to govern or guide it.

What is the importance of research in social? ›

Social research is important because it can help us understand ourselves and others better. It can also help us address social problems and improve social conditions.

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