The AfricaLics Research Coordination Area (RCA) on Africa-Focused Innovation Measurement was established in November 2022 with aim of contributing to building the knowledge base and promoting collaboration and networking towards advancing theoretical and empirical research on innovation measurement in Africa. A key focus of this RCA has been to develop and promote a research agenda for innovation measurement in Africa, that is led by African researchers and measurement experts with inputs from policymakers. This includes bringing together scholars, policymakers and practitioners to reflect on the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of innovation measurement in Africa, specifically in relation to what is appropriate for African countries.
The measurement of innovation in the informal sector is a key focus area of the RCA, and we invite you to explore our Informal Business Innovation Hub, which shares research outputs, resources, and news: https://informalbizinnovationhub.hsrc.ac.za/
The RCA is led by the Human Sciences Research Council’s, Centre for Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) in South Africa, in collaboration with the National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM) in Nigeria.
Dr. II-haam Petersen, Chief Research Specialist at the Centre for the Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators (CeSTII) at the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) – is the the coordinator of the RCA. She holds a DPhil in Sociology from Trinity College Dublin. Her research focuses on inter-organisational innovation networks, particularly the micro-foundations of innovation, and experimentation with new methodologies for understanding and measuring innovation in informal settings. Dr Glenda Kruss, the former Executive Head of CeSTII, now retired, remains a core member. Other members from CeSTII include Dr Nazeem Mustapha (CeSTII Director), Dr Nicole van Rheede, Dr Amy Kahn, Dr Yasser Buchana and Darryn Whisgary.
The lead persons at NACETEM are Dr David Adeyeye (Deputy Director and Head of Planning, Programming, and Linkages) and Dr Maruf Sanni (Deputy Director in the STI Indicators Team). They are supported by Prof. Abiodun Egbetokun, Associate Professor at De Montfort University, United Kingdom, and a Deputy Director at NACETEM.