Title: From indicators to policy: issues from the Nigerian research and experimental development survey

Authors: W.O. Siyanbola; A.D. Adeyeye; A.A. Egbetokun; M. Sanni; O.B. Oluwatope

Addresses: National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, P M B 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, P M B 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, P M B 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, P M B 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, P M B 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: Taking the pioneer efforts made in Nigeria as a case, this paper discusses the challenges associated with undertaking R&D surveys in a developing country. The 2006/2007 survey of R&D activities in Nigeria was carried out in both the higher education and government sectors, using the Frascati Manual as guide. In all, 75 universities and 62 research institutes were surveyed with an overall response rate of 73.8%. Among several, the adaptation of definitions and methodologies prescribed in the Manual - designed with developed economies in mind - was a major challenge. We conclude that for R&D indicators to become more relevant for economic policy in developing countries survey methods and indicators should be adapted or new ones developed to reflect the local realities of STI systems. Agriculture, informal economy and indigenous knowledge are three important aspects of African system that S&T indicators, to date, do not cover.

Keywords: R&D surveys; research and development; STI indicators; STI policy; ASTII; Nigeria; developing countries; higher education; government sector; universities; research institutes; economic policy; Africa; agriculture; informal economy; indigenous knowledge; science and technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2014.058726

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2014 Vol.14 No.1, pp.83 - 98

Received: 15 Nov 2012
Accepted: 10 Mar 2013

Published online: 27 Oct 2014 *

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