Mapping new approaches to innovation policy for stronger transformative outcomes in Africa

This research paper by Chux Daniels and Mafini Dosso examines the limitations of current science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies in Africa and proposes the adoption of Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) and Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) to achieve broader societal and economic transformations, using Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria as case studies.

• Current innovation policies in Africa are often based on a linear model that assumes R&D and science and technology investments automatically lead to economic gains and social welfare. However, evidence indicates that inequality, poverty, and social exclusion continue to rise in some areas despite economic growth from research.
• Transformative Innovation Policy (TIP) and Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) represent a shift toward place-based and societal challenges. TIP focuses on mobilizing innovation to address issues like climate change, unemployment, and poverty by reorienting social and technical systems. S3 guides geographic regions in selecting priority innovation domains based on available human capital, financial resources, and infrastructure to create competitive advantages.
• Case studies of Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire reveal critical evidence gaps that hinder effective policymaking. A primary concern is the large informal sector in these countries and across sub-Saharan Africa, which leaves much of the innovative and economic potential statistically invisible. Additionally, there is a lack of regular data collection for the formal sector, a shortage of sub-national insights, and insufficient traceability of public research funds.
• To improve outcomes, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are encouraged to utilize the African Innovation Outlook and African Observatory of STI for better R&D data collection. Recommendations include mobilizing a broader base of stakeholders from government, education, civil society, and business, and customizing funding instruments to address specific needs such as food security, health security, and access to electricity and internet.

APA

Daniels, C., & Dosso, M. (2021). Mapping new approaches to innovation policy for stronger transformative outcomes in Africa. African Center for Economic Transformation. https://acetforafrica.org/research-and-analysis/insights-ideas/articles/mapping-new-approaches-to-innovation-policy-for-stronger-transformative-outcomes-in-africa/

Chicago

Daniels, Chux, and Mafini Dosso. Mapping new approaches to innovation policy for stronger transformative outcomes in Africa. African Center for Economic Transformation, 2021. https://acetforafrica.org/research-and-analysis/insights-ideas/articles/mapping-new-approaches-to-innovation-policy-for-stronger-transformative-outcomes-in-africa/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Daniels |first1=Chux |last2=Dosso |first2=Mafini |title=Mapping new approaches to innovation policy for stronger transformative outcomes in Africa |publisher=African Center for Economic Transformation |date=4 June 2021 |url=https://acetforafrica.org/research-and-analysis/insights-ideas/articles/mapping-new-approaches-to-innovation-policy-for-stronger-transformative-outcomes-in-africa/ |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{daniels2021mapping, author = {Daniels, Chux and Dosso, Mafini}, title = {{Mapping new approaches to innovation policy for stronger transformative outcomes in Africa}}, institution = {African Center for Economic Transformation}, year = {2021}, month = jun, url = {https://acetforafrica.org/research-and-analysis/insights-ideas/articles/mapping-new-approaches-to-innovation-policy-for-stronger-transformative-outcomes-in-africa/}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }