AbstractThe effective utilisation of the principal policy instruments for technology in a developing country such as South Africa is questioned because of inadequate measures of technological capability. Supplementary conceptual and methodological structures should be used, together with new empirical inputs that are specifically technological in character. The framework of technology analysis and the generation of data on technological innovations is proposed for this purpose.The results of the application of these concepts through a wide-ranging survey of South African technological innovations is summarised. This methodological and empirical base is used to suggest a number of possible priorities for policy concerning technological development, and to bring to the surface some of the problems facing the decision-maker in this respect. The conclusion is drawn that a more widespread development of the framework and its data inputs would be a useful adjunct to the macro-policy process.