Science and technology capacity in Africa: A new index (original) (raw)

Pouris A: The State of Science and Technology in Africa (20002004): A Scientometric Assessment

2014

This article reports for first time the state of science and technology in the African Continent on the basis of two scientometric indicators- number of research publications and number of patents awarded. Our analysis shows that Africa produced 68 945 publications over the 2000-2004 period or 1.8 % of the World’s publications. In comparison India produced 2.4 % and Latin America 3.5 % of the World’s research. More detailed analysis reveals that research in Africa is concentrated in just two countries – South Africa and Egypt. These two counties produce just above 50 % of the Continent’s publications and the top 8 countries produce above 80 % of the Continent’s research. Disciplinary analysis reveals that few African countries have the minimum number of scientists required for the functioning of a scientific discipline. Examination of the Continent’s inventive profile, as manifested in patents, indicates that Africa produces less than one thousand of the world’s inventions. Furtherm...

Going for Growth: Science, Technology and Innovation in Africa

This collection of essays by key experts in the field of international development looks at the role of science, technology and innovation in encouraging a risk-taking, problem solving approach to development cooperation in Africa. This year has seen an unprecedented determination by the world’s richest nations to engage with the development of the poorest. The report of the Commission for Africa, chaired by Prime Minister Tony Blair, Our Common Interest, set out the themes that dominated the G8’s discussions at Gleneagles over the summer, while a mass movement, in the form of the ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign, affirmed that the political agenda was matched by a widespread public demand for action. Central to this transformative agenda will be the role of science, technology and innovation, both as a driver of economic growth within the developing countries and as a core element in nurturing managerial and governance competencies.

PARTNERSHIPS AND BUILDING CAPABILITIES FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, INNOVATION AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

The question of how to build science and technology capacity in developing countries has been on (and often off) the agenda for decades, as has the issue of how to use partnerships to accelerate capacity building. There is, however, currently an explosion of interest in science and technology (S&T) in Africa. A plethora of reports and policy documents have argued for an expansion of S&T but to a far lesser extent for a rigorous rethink about how science, technology and innovation can be better organized for development. This paper aims to assess the importance of 'new' theories and practices based on the role of innovation and knowledge systems. The paper argues that lessons can be learned from transformations in research policy and from practices that better integrate new ideas from innovation, knowledge and development Such lessons exist not only from North America and Europe, but especially from developing countries including from Africa itself. The paper uses a range of evidence from recent cases of successful science and technological capacity development and capability enhancement in Africa, to assess the implications for future development of science technology and innovation capabilities. It has been argued that science and technology in the poorest developing countries is being held back by a single minded, short-term focus on poverty alleviation. This focus is seen as a constraint on gaining resources for medium and longer-term programmes, including in science and technology. However, an alternative argument would be to ask what changes are required for science, technology and innovation to be accepted as key for the alleviation of poverty. This alternative would also lead to transformations in research policy.

Africa's plan of action for science and technology and indicators: South African experience

South African Statistical Journal

The African Union (AU) Commission and the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD) have set out a "Consolidated Science and Technology Plan of Action (AMCOST, 2005)" to promote socio-economic transformation. Monitoring and evaluation of that Plan is central to its success. To that end this paper deals with the problem of generating applicable science and technol-ogy indicators based on South African experience. The starting point is a brief discourse on South Africa's innovation policy followed by discussion of the im-portance of indicators, after which we move to problematizing the conduct of internationally comparable surveys of research and development (R&D) and innovation activity in emerging economies. Suggestions are offered regarding ways of controlling for estimation especially as registers are often incomplete. The paper concludes with brief comment on the prospects for the unfolding African Science, Technology and Innovation Indicators process.

Science and Technology in Africa: The key Elements and Measures for Sustainable Development

The contributions of science and technology to foster development in the world cannot be over emphasized. Thanks to the evolution and revolution of science and technology, the world has greatly achieved advancement in various sectors such as infrastructure, energy, industrial, health, education, communication, financial, entertainment, transport, agricultural, economic and environmental protection to name a few. While the growth of science and technology is pronounced in the western continents, the pace in Africa is slow. In addition to its contribution to development, science and technology is today a menace to man, the society and ecosystem. This paper highlights on the interdependence between sciences and technology for development with emphasize on the key contributing elements such as research, biomimetics, philosophy of science, communication, innovative fields and global partnership. Possible measures to manage the detrimental effects of science and technology in the society and promote those technologies which are paramount to ensure sustainable development are enumerated. The advancement of science and technology will only be achieved if Africans can change their mentality and lay emphasis on those key elements and measures that are of priority to development.

National Systems of Innovation: Implications on Science and Technology Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa

There is a widespread recognition that the circulation of resources between knowledge providers and using agents is very important in the process of innovation. In this article we theoretically explore the policy implications of the concept of National system of innovation on science and technology in Sub-Saharan Africa. After identifying the systemic weaknesses of Sub-Saharan African national systems of innovation we conclude by formulating some propositions of the new agenda of policymakers in science and technology policy.