Introduction
In the world of scholarly exploration, a distinct gap emerges when we turn our gaze toward Africa, particularly in the realm of STI (Science, Technology &Innovation) measurement. Research on this subject matter is scanty, especially when considering the Global South. What little literature exists often demonstrates a tendency towards conceptual borrowing from developed countries, reflecting a need to adapt frameworks to African or Global South contexts.
Traditionally, our understanding of innovation has been shaped by frameworks from elsewhere, often failing to capture the nuances of our unique context. In response, there’s a growing call to build on existing institutional agreements and strengthen local networks within Africa. The aim? To forge a shared research agenda for conceptual and empirical frameworks, particularly in S&T innovation measurement.
How do we identify suitable indicators within African contexts? How do we contextualize these indicators within the broader Global South?
These questions form the crux of our inquiry. Recent shifts in innovation studies reveal a departure from conventional models. Innovation is no longer confined to the realm of firms; it now encompasses a broader spectrum of actors, including communities and the public sector. However, our current set of indicators struggles to capture these diverse manifestations of innovation, especially within informal economies and non-traditional sectors. Moreover, existing efforts to fill this gap often rely on borrowed frameworks, overlooking the unique socio-economic and political landscapes of African countries. This oversight hampers our ability to track and promote development effectively. Recognizing these challenges, there have been commendable efforts over the past two decades to build research capabilities in STI measurement, particularly in Africa. However, significant gaps remain, particularly in low-income countries, where research and academic discourse are still nascent.
Methodology
Methodologically, the CESTII research delves into the existing literature on S&T innovation measurement in Africa and the Global South. Through bibliometric analysis, CESTII uncovers emerging trends and gaps, shedding light on potential areas for future exploration. Their systematic review highlights the need for contextualized indicators, robust data governance frameworks, and empirical research on various facets of innovation, including its impact on societal well-being and sustainability.
Bibliometric analysis: STI measurement in Africa
Collaboration and cross-regional learning are vital in advancing our understanding of innovation in diverse contexts. From Latin America, we recognize the urgency of addressing issues of informality and inequality, echoing the need for inclusive research agendas.
STI measurement in Africa/global South:Four clusters of topics
Experts have delved into the intricate web of sustainable development, innovation, and the challenges of measuring progress in Africa. Led by prominent voices in the field, the conversation highlighted key conceptual gaps and proposed pathways for improvement.
Sustainable Development and Innovation: Defining the Parameters
A central theme emerged – the need for clear definitions. Without precise delineation, measuring progress becomes akin to grasping at shadows. While sustainable development encompasses economic, social, and environmental dimensions, the concept of innovation remains elusive, muddled by differing interpretations.
Navigating the Measurement Maze: Indicators and Metrics
Efforts to quantify innovation face hurdles, compounded by the diverse African landscape. Yet, amidst the complexity, proposed indicators offer a glimmer of hope. From tracking global innovation output to assessing private sector contributions to research and development, each metric aims to shed light on Africa’s innovation journey.
Beyond Formality: Embracing the Informal Sector
A poignant reminder surfaced regarding the overlooked potential of the informal economy. In bustling streets and micro-enterprises lies a treasure trove of untapped innovation. Understanding and supporting these grassroots efforts are pivotal for holistic development.
Charting the Path Forward: Research and Collaboration
The conversation didn’t stop at critique but extended a call to action. Collaborative research, grounded in African realities, holds the key to unlocking meaningful progress. By bridging gaps in knowledge and embracing diverse perspectives, the path to sustainable development and innovation becomes clearer.
STI measurement in Africa/global South:Expanded analysis of key terms in abstracts and titles
The sustainable development and innovation concepts,though fundamental, lack precise definitions.Why does this matter? Well, when it comes to measuring progress, clarity in definitions is crucial. After all, you can’t measure what you can’t define.
Take sustainable development, for instance. While many immediately think of climate change, it’s a multi-dimensional concept encompassing economic, social, and environmental aspects. Influencing all three dimensions simultaneously is the best approach, but it’s easier said than done. Trade-offs are inevitable in this complex landscape.
Examining how development is gauged internationally reveals a focus primarily on economic factors. Countries aspire to climb the income ladder, but this overlooks the holistic nature of development.
Similarly, the term “innovation” is open to interpretation, leading to confusion. The report lacks a clear stance on what constitutes innovation and what types of innovation are being pursued. To address this, the report could benefit from incorporating indicators that reflect a broader understanding of innovation. For instance, measuring both new and improved innovation output is essential for tracking progress accurately.
Additionally, assessing the proportion of funds allocated to research and development (R&D) from domestic sources sheds light on self-reliance and priority alignment.
Furthermore, the level of private sector investment in R&D speaks volumes about the connection between innovation and economic productivity. Currently, Africa relies heavily on external funding for innovation, highlighting the need to prioritize local investment.
Policy plays a crucial role in fostering innovation ecosystems, particularly in regions with weak markets. Therefore, evaluating the implementation of Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) policies becomes a vital indicator of a country’s innovation readiness.
Moving forward, deeper research into innovation in Africa is essential. Understanding the systemic nature of innovation and the actors involved across different sectors is paramount for developing effective policies and indicators. Finally, aligning with existing development agendas, such as Agenda 2063, can provide a roadmap for integrating innovation into broader developmental strategies.
The challenge of blindly adopting concepts from the more technologically advanced Global North, especially in regions like East Asia
While innovation without traditional growth models is intriguing, it prompts questions about exceptions in the African context, such as Mauritius, which achieved upper-income status through innovation-driven economies rather than relying solely on resources.
Delving deeper, the report touches upon holistic innovation, emphasizing the influence of cultures. However, it begs the question: beyond firms and states, can we identify intentional and successful actors at granular levels, such as specific government departments or NGOs?
Furthermore, analyzing states’ investments in R&D relative to GDP in Africa reveals interesting insights. Countries like Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia, and Seychelles have surpassed the African Union’s target of investing 2% of GDP in R&D. Understanding the implications of meeting or exceeding these targets is crucial for shaping future policies.
At the firm level, South Africa stands out for conducting surveys on R&D activities. Drawing comparisons from historical perspectives, like Japan’s dominance in the 1990s due to substantial enterprise-level R&D investments, underscores the significance of business-level R&D for economic growth. Examining the rate of change in inclusive growth and the relationship between social innovation and STI raises pertinent questions about their interplay and outcomes.
Finally, considering the historical and political contexts of innovation investment highlights the importance of understanding governance structures and their impact on innovation outputs and outcomes. Identifying indicators to gauge these environments and actors’ sensitivities within them is crucial for effective policymaking.
Conclusion
While the webinar shed light on important aspects, delving deeper into exceptions, analyzing individual actors more closely, and considering historical and political contexts is crucial for a thorough understanding of innovation dynamics in the Global South. It underscores the importance of collaboration in advancing research agendas, promoting interdisciplinary approaches, and fostering regional learning. By embracing these opportunities, we can unleash innovation potential and drive positive change in developing regions.
The dialogue served as a catalyst for future endeavors. As Africa marches forward, armed with newfound insights and collaborative spirit, the journey towards measurable, impactful innovation and development gains momentum. As we embark on this journey of exploration, collaboration, and knowledge creation, we extend an invitation to all stakeholders to join hands in shaping a more nuanced and inclusive approach to S&T innovation measurement in Africa and beyond. Together, let us pave the way for informed policies and inclusive development initiatives that truly reflect the needs and aspirations of our diverse societies.