Open Innovation and Innovation Intermediaries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Bertha Vallejo, Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka, Nicholas Ozor and Maurice Bolo
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Bertha Vallejo: Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands
Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka: African Development Bank, 01 BP 1387 Abidjan 01, Cote D’Ivoire
Nicholas Ozor: African Technology Policy Studies Network, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
Maurice Bolo: The Scinnovent Centre, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya

Sustainability, 2019, vol. 11, issue 2, 1-18

Abstract: This study explores the innovation intermediaries’ landscape in sub-Saharan Africa, considering Science Granting Councils (SGCs) as the key intermediaries in the system. Based on extensive desk research, personal interviews, and an online survey, the study discusses the roles and functions performed by SGCs as intermediators and influences of science, technology, and innovation (STI) policy. The results of the analysis corroborate the need for institutional and systemic changes to enable SGCs to perform their role. The realities, resources, and constraints at the local level cry out for the adaptation of current and future partnerships to the local context. The study concludes that only by tailoring partnerships to the development of capacity at the local level can SGCs perform effectively as influencers of national STI policy and mediators of partnerships with foreign development actors.

Keywords: Innovation policy; innovation intermediaries; science-technology and innovation (STI); open innovation; public-private partnerships in research and innovation (PPPs in RI); Science Granting Councils (SGCs); sub-Saharan Africa (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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