Innovation Systems and Capabilities in Developing Regions: Concepts, Issues and Cases

In today's knowledge-driven world, innovation and innovation systems have become key policy issues. However, the extent of knowledge that is available on these concepts in less developed countries is still relatively low. Much of what we know about innovation theory and systems has come from the developed countries and reflects their world view. This apparent knowledge deficit has major implications for less developed countries. Innovation Systems and Capabilities in Developing Regions adds to the growing body of knowledge on developing countries. The theoretical and empirical case studies presented here advance the notion that, while developing countries may not engage in frontier research, a critical knowledge base upon which these countries compete for global markets is emerging. There is evidence that state and non-state actors are increasingly emphasising policies that sit within the framework of national innovation systems. This book illuminates this shift in policy competence at national levels. The contributions in this volume highlight the need for thorough understanding of the role of diffusion-based innovation linked to technology transfer and acquisition. They also provide empirical evidence on the drivers, dynamics and impact of such innovation in developing economies and the constraints that apply. Contributors also document the application of the innovation system approach in developing countries as well as the build-up and diffusion of technological capabilities within innovation systems. Academics, higher level students, policy makers and practitioners involved with innovation and the economics of technical change, particularly in developing countries, will find this a valuable book.

Table of Contents:
1: Innovation Systems and Capabilities in Developing Regions; Part I: Conceptual and Theoretical Contributions; 2: Systems of Innovation and Capability; 3: The Contributions of Quality Infrastructure to National Innovation Systems; Part II: Innovation Systems Case Studies; 4: Indian Innovation System; 5: Formation of Emerging Technological Innovation Systems in Iran; 6: Knowledge Transfer and the Biopharmaceutical Innovation System in Taiwan; 7: Urban Water Innovation Systems in Newly Industrialized Countries; Part III: Innovation, Technological Learning and Capabilities; 8: The Complexity of Innovation Capabilities Development; 9: How Firms Develop Technological Capabilities Through Acquisition of Foreign Technology; 10: Technological Discontinuity and Industrial Catch-up; Part IV: Learning and Interactions Within Systems; 11: Patent and Innovation; 12: Determinants of Public Research Organizations–Industry Interactions in Latecomer Pharmaceutical Research and Development; 13: Innovation and Social Capital in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises; 14: Networking Capabilities and Innovation in a Traditional Small-scale Agro-industry; 15: Learning Innovation and Technological Performance in the Nigerian and Malaysian Oil Palm Sector; 16: Conclusions and Implications for Policy and Practice

About the Author :
Willie Siyanbola is the Director-General/CEO of Nigeria's National Centre for Technology Management (NACETEM). He holds a PhD in solid state physics from the University of Sussex and received executive training at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. He is widely travelled and published. Abiodun Egbetokun is a Senior Research Officer in Technology, Innovation and Enterprise Studies at NACETEM and a doctoral student of innovation economics at the Friedrich-Schiller University, Jena, Germany. Boladale Adebowale is a Principal Research Officer NACETEM. Her PhD in technology and innovation management is from the University of Malaya. She has consulted for the World Bank, UNIDO etc on innovation and technological capabilities in sub-Saharan Africa. Olumuyiwa Olamade is a Chief Research Officer and the Director of a zonal office at NACETEM. He holds a PhD in technology management and has published several articles on the subjects of innovation and technological capabilities.

Review :
'Developing countries need a much deeper understanding of the process through which technology flows towards them, the way it is acquired and mastered, and its impacts in their domestic economies. They also need to rethink, redesign and upgrade their key science, technology and innovation institutions with a view to improve their effectiveness and efficiency, incorporating best practices from both developed and developing countries. This book goes a long way in this direction, and is edited by some of the most promising scholars from Nigeria. The book is highly recommended.' Jorge Niosi, University of Québec at Montreal, Canada 'Science, technology and engineering education and development are critical to transforming latecomer economies, often from primary commodity producing into knowledge based economies. For instance, the primary, mineral and agricultural based economy has proved to be a burden rather than a help to Africa. It is estimated that something like 268 billion dollars flows out of Africa, and hardly less than 30 billion comes to Africa. The economic structure that allows this gross outflow and inflow dynamics must be changed. It can be changed when works for capacity and competence building like this volume come out. I recommend highly this work that centres science, technology, engineering and innovation for economic development and transformation.' Mammo Muchie, SARChI Research Professor, IERI,Tshawne University of Technology, Pretoria, RSA