In October, the Policy Innovation Lab hosted a workshop in collaboration with the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) to enhance the policy advisory capabilities of South African institutions. This initiative is part of the Sustainable Development Goals Initiative (SDGI), a bilateral South Africa-Germany project managed by GIZ.

The event brought together representatives from government, academia and civil society to exchange ideas on improving evidence-based policymaking. IDOS, a leading global think tank based in Germany, shared its approach to delivering research-driven policy advice. By combining public and academic funding while maintaining independence from the government, IDOS provides credible and actionable insights—a model that offers valuable lessons for South Africa as it seeks to strengthen its own policy advisory system.

During the workshop, IDOS emphasised the importance of building strong relationships to effectively share research findings and support timely interventions. Civil society representatives, including those from Africa Monitor, recognised the value of this approach but raised concerns about maintaining independence while engaging with government entities. Participants agreed that establishing credibility through consistent high-quality contributions is key to achieving long-term impact.

The Presidency’s Policy and Research Services (PRS) team outlined the challenges of translating policy advice into action, especially within a coalition government. They noted that competing interests often slow progress on critical issues like economic transformation and social justice.

In response, IDOS shared strategies to overcome these hurdles, such as utilising evidence from diverse sources and enhancing collaboration across ministries. They highlighted how their involvement in international policy networks like the T20 enables governments to tackle complex cross-cutting challenges, including sustainable development and the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This collaboration marks a step forward in strengtehning South Africa’s policy advisory system. By learning from IDOS’s experience, the SDGI and its partners aim to build a more effective evidence-driven approach to policymaking that supports inclusive and sustainable development.