Knowledge Valorisation for Inclusive Innovation and Integrated African Development

In academia, the maxim publish or perish is a reminder on the importance of publications. It motivates researchers towards publishing their work to contribute to the body of knowledge. It is through publications that the scientific community is able to disseminate research outputs. The publication of research results contributes significantly, not only to the progress of science, but also to the interactive and sequential nature of scientific work through the circulation of knowledge. The pressure that is generated by the need to publish can provide the needed stimulus to produce cutting-edge research. Due to the central role of publications in the academia, research institutions across the world link career progression and tenureship to the number of books and articles published as a way of evaluating and rewarding competence. Over the past decade, Africa has registered an increasing number of publications, but the impact on society remains minimal. There is a risk that too much emphasis on publishing can decrease the value of scholarship by driving researchers to spend more time trying to publish whatever they can, rather than developing significant research agendas that can drive social and economic development. Thus, the urge to publish can discourage scientists from conducting innovative research that generates scientific breakthroughs with potential for commercialisation. It is against this background that this chapter argues for a shift from ‘publish or perish’ to ‘impact or perish’ in order to promote inclusive innovation and integrated development of Africa