South Africa. A work in progress SA SOFI

The report presents a work-in-progress on the South African State of the Future Index (SA-SOFI), a tool for forecasting and decision-making.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The research method included a desktop study, an online Delphi process to identify a long list of variables, focus groups using collaborative software to shortlist variables and parameters, consultations with domain experts, computation of the SOFI, and assessment at national and regional levels.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

The report outlines the development of the South African State of the Future Index (SA-SOFI), a comprehensive forecasting tool designed to assist in national and regional planning. The SA-SOFI is being developed through a collaborative effort involving the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the Department of Science and Technology (DST), and other partners. It incorporates a range of standardized variables and parameters to benchmark South Africa against global standards and regional concerns. The report details the methodology, including a desktop study, online Delphi processes, focus groups, and consultations with domain experts. Preliminary data on various indicators such as GDP per capita, R&D expenditures, freedom level, school enrollment, population growth, life expectancy, poverty, unemployment, forest lands, access to improved water sources, GDP per unit of energy use, and impact of terrorist attacks are presented. The report concludes with a call for further engagement on the method and details of the SA-SOFI and outlines the way forward for its development and implementation.

(Generated with the help of GPT-4)

Categories: Africa geographic scope | English publication language | South Africa geographic scope | data collection | decision-making | forecasting | futures | global benchmarking | implementation | indicators | methodology | national planning | regional planning | state of the future index