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

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...