Knowledge economy classification in African countries: A model-based clustering approach

ABSTRACT Knowledge economy (KE) has been a central issue in the political-economic literature of advanced economies, but little research has focused on the transition towards a KE in Africa. Using a latent profile analysis, six clusters of the KE were found in the region. The clusters range from very prepared with good performance in all KE dimensions (institutional, education, and innovation output) to very unprepared with low performance in each KE dimension. Lastly, we offer policy recommendations that shed some light on the national and international economic policies towards a more knowledge-oriented environment. One such recommendation is that effective policies should consider both the similarities and dissimilarities of African knowledge economies. How precise that can be done is one direction future research can take.