Identifying enabling factors of science-policy interaction in a developing country context: A case study of South Africa's environment sector

The integration of science into environmental policymaking has become a prime topic of decision-makers and scholars worldwide. The current body of research, however, is characterised by a narrow focus on the global North; moreover, the impact of meso- and macro-level conditions on science-policy interaction is largely ignored. In light of these gaps, the aim of this paper is to highlight enabling factors of 'boundary work' in a developing country context, using South Africa's environment sector as empirical case. The findings are based on qualitative document analysis and expert interviews. Taking the South African National Biodiversity Institute as a starting point, the paper identifies three factors related to the policy domain that seem decisive for its effectiveness: supportive law that constitutes a crucial source of legitimacy for boundary work; the availability of an absorptive administration, which is willing and able to take up expertise; and the existence of a strong science community producing policy-relevant knowledge that deals with the country's specific problems. Without such conducive conditions, the author infers, boundary work in the sector would not have the same level of impact. The paper calls for more research on the context of science-policy interaction, not only but particularly in developing countries.