ABSTRACT
Innovation for Development in Africa discusses innovation and development cooperation in Africa and beyond. In particular, it addresses changing patterns in development aid and cooperation between the Global North and South.
In the era of globalisation and knowledge-based societies, innovation and innovation systems are discussed everywhere, including in Africa. Innovation that generates economic and social transformation is the main objective of international development aid to Africa and the developing world. Innovation development is relevant for several United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). In development cooperation, new innovation-related instruments, actors and tools have emerged to achieve these SDGs.
Development aid focussed on innovation is not without challenges. These challenges include, in particular, the broad changes and impacts innovation and innovation-focussed development aid bring to people, communities and countries, and how innovation and innovation systems reduce poverty and inequality in Africa and beyond. Encouraging impoverished people and other aid recipients worldwide to participate in innovation-related development is of vital importance.
