ABSTRACT
Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are universally recognized as important drivers of economic development (UNESCO and African Union, 2009). In fact, the widening economic gap between nations and the international distribution of wealth and power are linked to corresponding gaps in investment in science and technology. Accordingly, African countries have launched several initiatives to use science and technology as a vehicle for achieving rapid economic development, but with little success (Viotti 2002; Bell and Albu 1999). Investment in STI remains low, with only three countries—Malawi, Uganda, and South Africa—devoting more than 1 percent of total GDP to STI research (AU-NEPAD 2010). Consequently, many scientific labs depend on sporadic foreign funding that, understandably, defines research priorities. Science students get little practical research training due to obsolete equipment and a shortage of trained personnel. Even when research is successful, translating the results into market products is problematic because of poor coordination between research institutions and industry and the absence of strong and effective national innovation systems.
