What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate the performance of national innovation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa over nearly two decades.

April 7, 2026Discover Global Society0 citationsOpen Access

Assessing the performance of national innovation systems (NIS) in Sub-Saharan Africa

KAKassim Alabani BABenedict Afful FTFrancis Taale

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate the performance of national innovation systems in Sub-Saharan Africa over nearly two decades.
Analyzed data from 43 Sub-Saharan African nations from 2005 to 2023.
Utilized evolutionary economics and innovation systems theory for evaluation.
Employed various regression techniques to assess factors influencing innovation performance.
Innovation performance is influenced significantly by historical context and cumulative learning.
Institutional quality, labor participation, and access to credit are key drivers of innovation.
R&D expenditure has a notable impact, particularly in sectors with high innovation intensity.
External factors have mixed effects, highlighting the importance of tailored local strategies.

Abstract

Innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is characterized by uneven outcomes, despite being seen as crucial for structural transformation and sustainable development. This study evaluates national innovation system (NIS) performance across 43 SSA nations from 2005 to 2023, utilizing evolutionary economics and innovation systems theory. The analysis, employing various regression techniques, reveals that innovation in SSA is heavily influenced by historical context and cumulative learning rather than immediate policy changes. Key drivers include institutional quality, labor participation, and access to credit, while R&D expenditure is significant primarily in high-intensity settings. External factors show mixed results, emphasizing the need for tailored innovation strategies that consider local institutional contexts in the Global South.

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