Purpose: 

To conduct and facilitate socio-economic research that will inform planning to promote growth and development. 

Functions:

1. Strategically manage economic research to  enhance provincial economic development planning.             
2. Facilitate the development and management of the departmental research agenda  outlining reserach priorities over the medium term expenditure framework (MTEF).
3. Manage the compilation of economic intelligence reports based on the research and analysis of international, regional, national and provincial data releases. 
4. Support priority departmental initiatives/projects through research advisory services   
5. Facilitate the research and analysis process in support of the development and review of the PGDS.       
6. Coordinate and manage all stakeholders in supporting and enhancing  research capacity in the province.     
7. Establish and maintain sustainable relations  with relevant stakeholders.