CONSIDERING THE PROBLEM STATEMENT, RESEARCH QUESTIONS AND RESEARCH OBJECTIVES

The problem statement, formulated in 1.2 above, considered that, as a result of the growing importance and possible major impact of the FIR on the global economies, South Africa is at risk of not being adequately prepared to participate and benefit from this event, which will have a consequent negative impact on the economy and socio- economic system in the country. This research intended to create new insight and understanding concerning the future of the FIR in South Africa in the years leading up to 2035, through the design and formulation of scenarios. The primary research objective, as stated in 1.3.1 above, was to investigate the readiness of private and public sector South Africa for the FIR by developing alternative scenarios, including the identification of the desired future for the South African private and public sector in the period up to 2035. The primary objective was achieved through the establishment of innovative strategies in which both the public and private sector can, together as co-stakeholders, embrace and accept the FIR. One of the aims of this research was to provide the public and private sectors with practical yet progressive ideas on how to tackle some of the issues faced by this country as a consequence of the potentially ‘game-changing’ status of the FIR.

The research method was planned around the six pillars of futures studies of Inayatullah, in which emphasis was placed on scenario planning and the creation of alternative scenarios for the FIR in South Africa towards 2035. CLA was applied as a technique to deepen the future and facilitate the observation of issues from various viewpoints in crafting transformative spaces.

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The secondary research objectives, outlined in Table 5.1 below, related to certain factors that were considered in determining whether South Africa is indeed ready for the FIR.

Table 5.1: Secondary research objectives

RO1 To conduct an in-depth analysis of FIR in South Africa and establish if the private and public sectors are taking note of the phenomenon.

RO2 To consider emerging threats and opportunities that will influence the future of FIR in South Africa by plotting various alternative futures in accordance with specific drivers identified.

RO3 To inspire dialogue throughout all industries, at all levels of stake holding, to develop an inclusive, consistent strategic plan to embrace the FIR.

RO4 To gain a better understanding of the best possible future for South Africa, the nature of development and failure in the African context will also be explored.

RO5 To analyse South Africa’s progress and failure in terms of the FIR.

RO6 To develop a simple yet practical set of recommendations to address the main factors that inhibit the possible implementation of the FIR, with the aim of improving the level of technology management in South Africa.

From the objectives discussed previously, the study outlined questions formulated to support the objectives of the research. The research endeavoured to create strategies illustrating how South Africa can adapt to the challenges it faces by embracing the FIR as indicated. The research questions for this study were articulated, incorporated and addressed in order to underpin the research, thereby ensuring the attainment of the research objectives.

Table 5.2: Secondary research questions

RQ1 What are the factors to be considered to determine the readiness of South African business for the FIR?

RQ2 What are the potential implications and impact on the South African labour market as a result of the FIR movement?

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RQ4 What are the consequences to the South African economy of not embracing the FIR?

RQ5 Who are the role-players to be involved in the determination of skills shortages and does South Africa have the capacity to overcome these shortages?

RQ6 What are the potential implications and impact on the South African socio- economic system as a result of the FIR movement?

Through the application of scenario design and development as tools, a comprehensive view was formed of the FIR in South Africa’s extremely uncertain world, looking additionally at stories about the future, supporting the various stakeholders in identifying and adjusting to the dynamically shifting environment. Blyth (2005) suggests that scenario planning gradually releases humans from conditioned worldviews and traditions, and exposes them to fresh perspectives and behaviours, which, in so doing, enriches decisions made about the future and guides strategic choices for future triumph. In this study, scenarios were further utilised to articulate alternate, potential paths into the future, embracing present selections and actions with insight on how they could possibly shape the future. Scenario planning, a rounded, inclusive methodology, was used to enhance understanding and cultivate insight into the extensive implications of the issues and driving forces influencing the FIR. This method permits the various stakeholders to see the future in several plausible ways. These fashioned scenarios formed the groundwork of a “Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035”, eventually providing the mechanism for a preferred future for the FIR.

In the “Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035”, the FIR in South African has been transformed, through innovation, co-operation and education, from an industry for the few to an industry that embraces all stakeholders and inhabitants of the country. This FIR transformation is based on:

 the recognition of FIR-specific issues with the relevant responses;

 improved co-operation and communication among all stakeholders, striving for a shared vision and future;

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 the advancement and execution of innovative technologies leading to improved environmental and social performance;

 greater productivity and cost reduction as a result of technological innovation;  a world of consultative social, technological, environmental and commercial

innovation;

 the introduction of new best practices to meet community needs and expectations;

 the advancement of sustainable economic growth and socio-economic improvement;

 improved governance, strengthened by competitive legislative and operating environments; and

 the implementation of a stable labour environment through ground-breaking social and labour programmes.

Therefore, the primary objective of the research study has been achieved: to formulate a “Future Vision of the FIR in South Africa towards 2035”, based on the alternative scenarios.