National Innovation system Research Papers (original) (raw)

Scientific Research, research councils and research associations including universities and higher education institutions play a critical role in the process of knowledge creation and in defining ways to guide knowledge deployment. Notwithstanding, the role of research is highly constrained without envisioning it as part of a national innovation system (NIS). NISs have the ability to enhance the act of innovation inside the nation's borders, with implications on economic growth, research and development. This work focused on the role of ICT in a number of NIS Country cases to investigate the ways by which ICT can be an enabler for increased productivity and effectiveness. This paper examines the components of NIS using the guidelines of the OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and development), as well as through extensive document review and information gathering from local stakeholders. The findings indicate that leveraging ICTs greatly empowers key economic sectors i.e. infrastructure, mining, trade and manufacturing, agriculture, energy, tourism, financial services thereby increases their competitiveness and facilitates sustainable development. Some of the country approaches, where NIS had a positive impact on development, include by improving education, creating public-private partnerships, upgrading infrastructure, institutionalizing IT policy, branding, positioning and promotion. The paper discusses ICT features that are required for NIS infrastructure, in particular appropriate technology and skilled personnel. More importantly, the paper presents, in the context of Sudan, the impeding factors to the development of a National Innovation System and makes recommendations on ways towards change.