In respect to economic growth, the HSRC noted the importance of a knowledge economy, which would contribute to economic growth. South Africa's scores are low in respect of the Knowledge Economy Index and the number of full time equivalent researchers per 1 000 people compared to its counterparts. Furthermore there has been slow uptake of the Research and Development (R&D) tax incentive by the private sector. The extent to which the requisite institutional reforms and actions to support the incentive regime have been implemented by government should also be considered. Hence, the HSRC calls for the government to continue to prioritise R&D and monitor and evaluate programmes that must deliver on R & D outcomes.