Applied Research Centres at South African Universities

Abstract

This article considers the way in which applied research centres and units at South African higher education institutions enhance their networks with industry, government and community organizations. The findings from 12 case studies of research groupings at higher education institutions in Cape Town support the author's argument for a more fundamental approach: weak structures of centres and units (their internal bases) need to be solidly constructed before a superstructure of external networks can grow strongly. It is suggested that an internal transformation towards ‘application-oriented’ research centres and units has been taking place, especially at universities. Smaller units tend to be more stable because they are constructed around a traditional professor. Larger centres require functional, innovative structures, including a layer of what are termed ‘senior scholar-researchers’ between the centre director and postgraduates. A more secure, new career track for senior scholar-researchers alongside the traditional professor-lecturer track is thus implied, impacting not only on university professor identities but also on funding systems.