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Open Innovation and Innovation Intermediaries in Sub-Saharan Africa

Author

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  • Bertha Vallejo

    (Tilburg School of Economics and Management, Tilburg University, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands
    UNU-MERIT, 6211 AX Maastricht, The Netherlands
    Social Studies Department, El Colegio de la Frontera Norte, 22560 Tijuana, Mexico)

  • 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)

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Bertha Vallejo & Banji Oyelaran-Oyeyinka & Nicholas Ozor & Maurice Bolo, 2019. "Open Innovation and Innovation Intermediaries in Sub-Saharan Africa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-18, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:2:p:392-:d:197514
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    References listed on IDEAS

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