Title: Achieving productivity-led growth in Africa: towards an agenda for improving scientific and technological capacity

Authors: Michael F. Crawford, Gobind Nankani

Addresses: Africa Human Development Department 1 and Africa Region Vice Presidency, The World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW Washington DC 20433, USA. ' Africa Human Development Department 1 and Africa Region Vice Presidency, The World Bank, 1818 H Street, NW Washington DC 20433, USA

Abstract: Improving productivity of African economies is a principal priority of the development agenda. This study examines preconditions for sustained productivity increases, and argues that improved scientific and technological capacity is required along with macroeconomic stability and improved business environments. As competition policy, good governance, and provision of infrastructure and other public goods improves, the degree of technological competency of African economies will play an increasingly decisive role in their success as global competitors. African knowledge institutions should be repositioning themselves to strengthen capacity in fundamental disciplines of science, technology, and engineering, while governments should promote national technology learning strategies.

Keywords: Africa; science and technology capacity; knowledge institutions; technology learning; technological latecomers; national innovation systems; productivity; economic growth; macroeconomic stability; business environment; economic development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTG.2006.011912

International Journal of Technology and Globalisation, 2006 Vol.2 No.3/4, pp.232 - 240

Published online: 31 Dec 2006 *

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