College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 31 expanding its research community and fostering academic excellence. Key initiatives have been implemented to bolster the PDRF programme’s effectiveness and impact. These include extending the duration of postdoctoral engagements, enabling a more sustained and in-depth research experience. However, to ensure that this extended timeframe translates into meaningful scholarly contributions, the CBE has placed a greater emphasis on rigorous regular progress evaluations for PDRFs. This ensures that milestones are met and that the research trajectory remains aligned with both the fellows’ and the institution’s objectives. Moreover, recognising the critical role of mentorship in postdoctoral success, the CBE is actively developing a training programme for its seasoned researchers to effectively host and guide PDRFs. This initiative not only enhances the quality of the postdoctoral experience but also enriches the research culture within the CBE, promoting a collaborative and supportive academic environment. The 10 senior PDRFs further illustrate the CBE’s proactive approach to advancing its research agenda. This cohort of Senior PDRFs, distinguished by achieving more than 3 research output units (ROUs) in 2022, exemplifies the high-calibre scholarship the College aspires to cultivate. Their achievements not only reflect individual excellence but also contribute to the CBE’s overall research impact, demonstrating the programme’s success in fostering productive and impactful scholars. PATENTS The CBE still has not yielded any patent registered even though there are some software projects that remain under development. This is an area for improvement. RESEARCH FUNDING The CBE achieved remarkable growth in research funding, surpassing its set objectives with a notable increase from R28.9 million in 2022 to R33.77 million in 2023. This accomplishment reflects a successful endeavour, as the CBE not only exceeded the institutional target of R30 million but also demonstrated its robust capability in attracting and managing research funds effectively. The breakdown of the funding sources reveals a strategic diversification, with the National Research Foundation (NRF) allocating R9.15 million to the CBE, highlighting the institution’s strong alignment with national research priorities and its ability to secure competitive funding. Moreover, the most significant portion of the funding, amounting to R10 million, was attributed to contract research at the national level. This substantial figure underscores the CBE’s active engagement with and relevance to national research agendas, reinforcing its position as a key contributor to the country’s intellectual capital. Additionally, the CBE made impressive strides in securing international funds, with international contract research bringing in R5.54 million in 2023. This international funding component not only enhances the CBE’s financial resources but also affirms its global research standing, fostering international collaborations, and expanding the College’s research impact beyond national borders. The CBE’s adeptness in surpassing its research funding targets, coupled with a strategic approach to funding diversification, underscores its commitment to advancing research excellence and innovation. The effective utilisation of these funds is pivotal in supporting the College’s research activities, contributing to its academic prestige, and facilitating meaningful societal contributions through research.
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