The total number of scientific publications in biotechnology in South Africa showed varying trends over the years. From 2013 to 2023, the number of publications fluctuated, reflecting both increases and declines. Notably, there were significant year-on-year variations such as a 28.49% rise in 2013 and a 19.24% rise in 2019, as well as a notable decline of -13.27% in 2018. From 2018 to 2023, while the year-on-year changes varied, the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 stood at 3.67%.
Forecasting into the future from 2024 to 2028, the growth in scientific publications is expected to sustain a positive trajectory, albeit at a more moderate CAGR of 1.67%. The total number of publications is expected to grow steadily each year, reaching 60.37 units by 2028, signifying an overall growth rate of 8.66% over the five-year forecast period.
Trends to Watch For:
- Emergence of new biotechnology subfields or technologies that may spur publication increases.
- Government policies and funding initiatives aimed at boosting scientific research.
- International collaborations and partnerships enhancing research output.
- Shifts in academic and industrial focus which may influence the volume and types of publications.
