Contextualising Innovation in Africa: Knowledge Modes and Actors in Local Innovation Development

Abstract

Innovations are considered fundamental for stimulating beneficial long-term economic and social development in Africa. Recently, the African Union launched its first ever science, technology and innovation (STI) strategy. Many African states have developed their own innovation policies and practices. However, too often innovation policies are imported from more developed countries. This may lead to similar structures in innovation systems but will not lead to similar developmental outcomes. The research and development environments for STI are substantially weaker in most African countries. Furthermore, the imported policies and practices do not acknowledge the opportunities and comparative advantages emerging from African contexts. For instance, African countries have an extended, long-term diversity in local knowledge and an urgent necessity for challenge-based, responsible innovations. In this article, we illustrate a novel conceptual framework and several examples to identify relevant actors, knowledge bases and innovations in and for Africa. We also present related policy recommendations.