ReICO database - R&I talent circulation in South Africa

South Africa: ReICO database - R&I talent circulation was -451.54 in 2024. ◆ Volatile

Latest (2024)
-451.54
Change on year
down 15.9%
World rank
34th
of 38 countries
All-time high
242.04
in 2015
All-time low
-526.86
in 2022
Years of data
14
2011–2024

ReICO database - R&I talent circulation in South Africa, 2011–2024

-600-400-20002002011201720242011: 43.42012: 1.32013: 71.52014: 186.12015: 2422016: 233.52017: -320.82018: -119.82019: -14.52020: -371.12021: -472.12022: -526.92023: -389.72024: -451.5

Source: Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Analysis

South Africa recorded -451.54 for reico database - r&i talent circulation in 2024.

That represents a change of down 15.9% on the previous year and down 342.7% over ten years.

Over the whole period, reico database - r&i talent circulation in South Africa peaked at 242.04 in 2015 and was at its lowest, -526.86, in 2022.

That places South Africa 34th out of 38 countries with data for 2024, putting it in the bottom quarter.

The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.

ReICO database - R&I talent circulation in South Africa, year by year

Annual values for ReICO database - R&I talent circulation in South Africa, 2011 to 2024.
Year Value Change
2011 43.39
2012 1.26 -97.1%
2013 71.49 +5573.3%
2014 186.05 +160.3%
2015 242.04 +30.1%
2016 233.55 -3.5%
2017 -320.79 -237.4%
2018 -119.77 -62.7%
2019 -14.54 -87.9%
2020 -371.06 +2452.0%
2021 -472.05 +27.2%
2022 -526.86 +11.6%
2023 -389.73 -26.0%
2024 -451.54 +15.9%

Averages by decade

DecadeAverage LowestHighest Years
2010s 35.85 -320.79 242.04 9
2020s -442.25 -526.86 -371.06 5

Countries ranked near South Africa

  1. 31 China (People’s Republic of) -285.85 compare
  2. 32 Japan -309.85 compare
  3. 33 Argentina -319.97 compare
  4. 35 Mexico -491.91 compare
  5. 36 Colombia -608.89 compare
  6. 37 Brazil -1,665 compare

See the full ranking of 51 places →

More reference data data for South Africa

All data for South Africa →

Frequently asked questions

What is reico database - r&i talent circulation in South Africa?
Reico database - r&i talent circulation in South Africa was -451.54 in 2024, according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.
What is the highest reico database - r&i talent circulation recorded in South Africa?
The highest recorded value was 242.04 in 2015.
What is the lowest reico database - r&i talent circulation recorded in South Africa?
The lowest recorded value was -526.86 in 2022.
How does South Africa rank for reico database - r&i talent circulation?
South Africa ranks 34th out of 38 countries with data for 2024.
Is reico database - r&i talent circulation rising or falling in South Africa?
Over the last ten years it is down 342.7%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
Where does this South Africa data come from?
The figures come from Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, published as part of ReICO database - R&I talent circulation. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.

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ReICO database - R&I talent circulation in South Africa. Statizoid, drawing on Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. Retrieved 23 August 2026, from https://reference.statizoid.com/stat/reico-database-r-and-i-talent-circulation/south-africa/

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About this data

Indicator
ReICO database - R&I talent circulation
Source
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
Licence
OECD Terms and Conditions (attribution required)
Coverage
51 places, 714 data points, 2011–2024
Last refreshed

The Research and Innovation Careers Observatory (ReICO) project provides internationally comparable indicators on R&I talent to support evidence-based policymaking and research. This database compiles and analyses information from multiple sources to monitor trends in research and innovation careers, employment conditions, and mobility patterns. The database is distinguished into three themes: R&I Talent development, R&I Labour market and R&I talent circulation. The R&I Talent circulation theme covers indicators for monitoring trends in the mobility of R&I talent across countries. Indicators on other two themes are available in the links below. Please consult the methodology document when using the database. More information about the ReICO project is available in the following website: https://www.oecd.org/en/networks/research-and-innovation-careers-observatory.html.