Innovation and knowledge transfer in Nigeria

Abstract

Generation, exploitation and diffusion of knowledge are fundamental to economic growth, development and well-being of nations. These have shaped economic competitiveness and innovative performance of economies of the world. The evidence abounds as to the rate at which developed and newly industrialising economies are churning out new products and processes into the global market through apt efforts in knowledge generation and development. Several initiatives have been adopted in Nigeria to stimulate innovation in the knowledge centres across the country but the efforts have not yielded the desired results. This can be linked to poor research funding, poor linkages among the elements of the national innovation system (NIS), inappropriate policy development and poor implementation, and inability to couple knowledge for development. This paper adopts qualitative review of policies and programmes of government in Nigeria to present the current status of innovation in the country. In addition, data on the science, technology and innovation (STI) survey in Nigeria was also analysed. The paper concludes with appropriate policy measures to enhance robust research outputs and technology commercialisation strategies in Nigeria.