The year 2022 marks ten years since the South African government adopted the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP 2012). The Plan is supposed to steer the country's development until 2030. The mantra of the development plan is “Our future - Make it work”. The major objective of the NDP is to “eliminate poverty and reduce inequality by 2030 through uniting South Africans, unleashing the energies of its citizens, growing an inclusive economy, building capabilities, enhancing the capability of the state and leaders working together to solve complex problems” (National Planning Commission, 2012:1). This policy review, therefore, evaluates the NDP 2030 and purposely focuses on innovation issues and their role in South Africa's development agenda. Further,