South Africa
Dr Gugu Moche
Group Executive for Digital Transformation| The National Research Foundation (NRF)
“Emerging technologies like AI, immersive tech, cloud computing and blockchain are opening up tremendous opportunities. AI can enhance data analysis, predict trends and automate routine tasks – freeing up researchers to focus on core work and enabling more seamless collaboration.”
Key points:
- The NRF's digital transformation strategy aims to position the organization as a thought leader by leveraging data, information and digital technologies to drive foundational change.
- Emerging technologies like AI, cloud computing and immersive tools are opening up major opportunities to enhance research efficiency, collaboration and real-world impact.
- The NRF is using initiatives like "impact stories" and evolving its NRF Connect platform to better capture and share the tangible societal benefits of publicly-funded research.
- Communicating these research impacts to ordinary citizens is crucial for building a culture that values science and innovation in South Africa.
The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa is at the forefront of harnessing digital transformation to power the country’s research revolution. In this interview, Dr Gugu Moche, the NRF’s Group Executive for Digital Transformation and Acting DCEO for Research Innovation, discusses the strategic priorities and immense potential of leveraging emerging technologies to drive greater efficiency, collaboration and real-world impact across the national research ecosystem.
AfricaLive: Can you start by introducing yourself and telling me about your dual roles at the National Research Foundation (NRF)?
Dr Gugu Moche: My name is Gugu Moche and I have two key roles at the NRF. I am the Group Executive for Digital Transformation, where I’m responsible for harnessing digital technologies to drive foundational change in how the NRF delivers value to its stakeholders. I’m also currently the Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer for Research Innovation and Impact Support Advancement (RIISA), which is the granting arm of the NRF.
AfricaLive: Can you define what digital transformation means in the context of the NRF? What are the key priorities and goals you’ve set for this work?
Dr Moche: For the NRF, digital transformation is about positioning ourselves as a thought leader in the national research enterprise by leveraging data, information and digital technologies. The strategic value is to facilitate streamlined data collection and analysis, enable collaborative research across geographical boundaries, open new avenues for funding and partnerships, and enhance science engagement and communication.
Our key priorities include:
1) Modernizing our internal systems and infrastructure to build a robust foundation
2) Developing the necessary digital skills and capacity within the organization
3) Establishing a center of expertise around cybersecurity and ethical data use
4) Driving the digital innovation discourse and promoting adoption of transformative technologies
5) Enhancing research collaboration, partnerships and advancing the open science agenda
AfricaLive: Why is digital transformation so crucial for strengthening South Africa’s research ecosystem? What would be at risk if the country doesn’t invest in this area?
Dr Moche: Emerging technologies like AI, immersive tech, cloud computing and blockchain are opening up tremendous opportunities. AI can enhance data analysis, predict trends and automate routine tasks – freeing up researchers to focus on core work and enabling more seamless collaboration. Cloud and decentralized technologies make it easier to share data and infrastructure. Immersive tools facilitate remote experimentation and engagement.
If South Africa doesn’t harness these digital capabilities, we risk falling behind in our ability to tackle complex challenges, drive impactful research, and enhance the connectivity of our scientific community. Digital transformation is key to moving beyond just research outputs, and towards tangible outcomes and societal impact that can improve people’s lives. It’s about equipping our researchers with the tools to be more efficient, innovative and responsive.
AfricaLive: Can you highlight some specific examples of how the NRF is using digital tools and platforms to drive change?
Dr Moche: One initiative we’re really excited about is our effort to capture and share “impact stories” from the research we fund. We’re mining data from long-standing programs like research chairs and centers of excellence to uncover the real-world difference this work is making.
By proactively planning for and documenting impact, rather than trying to retrofit it at the end, we’re able to create powerful narratives that showcase how taxpayer investments in research are concretely improving lives and communities. Sharing these stories widely, including through digital channels, is crucial for building public understanding and appreciation of science.
Another key focus area is our NRF Connect platform. While it currently functions more as a transactional tool for funding applications, our aim is to transform it into a comprehensive resource hub. This would allow researchers to easily discover funding opportunities, connect with collaborators, and access data and infrastructure – all within a secure, transparent digital environment.
AfricaLive: What do you see as the building blocks of successful research partnerships that can drive real impact? How can digital tools enable these collaborations?
Dr Moche: I believe the foundation has to be equitable partnerships, where all parties come together as equals with a shared commitment to tackling a problem. There needs to be upfront alignment on the agenda, data sharing protocols, and the intended outcomes.
Digital platforms can greatly facilitate these collaborative efforts. They enable seamless remote engagement, access to shared compute power and data stores, and automated tracking of project progress and impact. Tools like AI and blockchain can further enhance transparency, security and efficiency.
Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond just individual projects, and towards sustainable, interconnected innovation ecosystems – both domestically and globally. Digital transformation gives us the means to build these expansive, responsive networks that can collectively address society’s most complex challenges.
AfricaLive: Why should the average South African citizen care about the work of the NRF and the digital transformation you’re driving?
Dr Moche: I would argue the COVID-19 pandemic has made this abundantly clear. South Africa’s ability to rapidly identify new variants and contribute to global vaccine development was directly enabled by our investment in research infrastructure and international collaborations.
These efforts don’t just benefit the scientific community – they have a tangible impact on citizens’ lives, through improved healthcare, economic growth, job creation, and enhanced global standing. Even if the average South African doesn’t directly engage with research, the downstream impacts touch all our lives.
The challenge is effectively communicating these benefits. Through our science engagement initiatives, we’re working to educate communities and build appreciation for how research, enabled by digital tools, is solving real problems. Sharing compelling impact stories, making data and resources more accessible, and fostering partnerships – these are all crucial for cultivating a culture that values science and innovation.
AfricaLive: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future potential of South African research and the role of digital transformation?
Dr Moche: I’m incredibly optimistic about our ability to leverage digital capabilities to respond more nimbly to the country’s challenges. The speed at which we identified COVID variants showed our research community’s capacity. With the right digital tools, we can be even more agile, predictive and collaborative in addressing complex issues.
Beyond just efficiency gains, I’m excited about how digital transformation will enable us to move the needle on research impact. We’ll be able to better track and tell the stories of how our work is concretely improving lives – whether it’s through pandemic preparedness, sustainable agriculture, or social interventions. Data-driven decision making will be key.
Ultimately, I believe the expansive possibilities of global collaboration, enabled by digital technologies, hold the greatest promise. South Africa is well-positioned to be at the forefront, leveraging our unique expertise and bridging role between the Global North and South. If we get this right, the benefits for our country and the continent are truly limitless.
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