Title: Planning for high technology facility in Nigeria: a perspective

Authors: Timothy O. Oyebisi; Abiodun S. Momodu

Addresses: Technology Planning and Development Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' Centre for Energy Research and Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: There is high technology facility failure in Nigeria. We posit that the cause of this is not far removed from the planning process for such facility. Most policies/laws establishing these facilities are premised on analytical thinking, i.e. looking at the part and not whole. For example, the electricity system in Nigeria is decoupled from the economy, as studies have shown that electricity is the singular most needed input to improve industrial base of the country. Therefore, we propose a paradigm shift of planning and management approaches of high technology facilities in Nigeria from analytical thinking to systems thinking. The systems thinking approach encompasses system dynamics principles as well as performance analysis and recommendation analysis. We conclude that the paradigm shift will involve creative tension that would generate learning for better planning and management of the high technology facilities in the country.

Keywords: Nigeria; technology planning; long-term development; performance analysis; recommendation analysis; technology management; system dynamics; systems thinking; technology policy; high technology; high tech facilities.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2012.044968

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2012 Vol.12 No.1, pp.48 - 57

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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