Exploring innovation and sustainability practices in South African research infrastructures through the preclinical drug development platform

Abstract

Research infrastructures (RIs) play a critical role in enabling scientific discovery, technological development, and socio-economic progress. However, within South Africa, many RIs face persistent sustainability challenges characterised by funding volatility, regulatory complexity, skills shortages, and limited digital maturity. These structural constraints impede their ability to achieve operational stability, financial resilience, and long-term research impact. This study investigates how business model innovation (BMI) can strengthen the sustainability of South African research infrastructures, using the Preclinical Drug Development Platform (PCDDP) as an in-depth qualitative case. Guided by a critical realist paradigm and abductive reasoning, the study draws on document analysis and comparative international benchmarking to examine the key drivers, barriers, digital enablers, and strategic mechanisms influencing sustainability. The study integrates three complementary theoretical frameworks, the Resource-Based View (RBV), Open Innovation (OI) Theory, and Business Model Innovation (BMI), to develop a holistic analytical lens suitable for non-commercial scientific research infrastructures. The findings show that the PCDDP possesses strong VRIN-aligned capabilities, including GLP-accredited infrastructure, specialised expertise, and institutional reputation; yet these strengths are undermined by systemic constraints such as capital renewal gaps, regulatory bottlenecks, and operational dependencies. Open innovation activities extend internal capabilities through strategic collaborations, although absorptive capacity is constrained by system-level fragmentation and variable digital readiness. BMI efforts are evident in-service diversification, governance refinement, and digital transformation initiatives, but remain incremental due to restricted financial autonomy and structural rigidity. Benchmarking against leading international RIs highlights several sustainability-enhancing practices, including lifecycle funding models, digital research environments, and integrated governance frameworks. By synthesising theoretical insights with empirical findings, the study proposes a strategic framework for embedding innovation and sustainability within research infrastructures in South Africa. The research contributes conceptually by extending BMI, RBV, and OI theory to RI contexts, and practically by offering actionable recommendations for RI leaders, policymakers, and funding bodies. The study concludes that sustainable,innovation-driven research infrastructures require coherent alignment between internal capabilities, external knowledge ecosystems, and adaptable business models supported by an enabling national policy and funding environment.