. Members noted that the gross expenditure on R&D, as a percentage of GDP had slowed, instead of increasing as was anticipated. They enquired about the DST's inability to meet the percentage target for R&D. They explained that it was attributed to the fact that the GDP grew faster than the national amount invested in R&D. The Department was currently working on a draft strategy titled "Enhancing the National System of Innovation to support growth and development: A strategy to increase R&D investment in South Africa". Once finalised, the Committee wants to be briefed on the report.