Innovation Systems For National Economic Competitiveness: A Comparative Analysis Of Botswana And Namibia

ABSTRACT

There is also a growing interest from African policy makers- practitioners on how best to configure their national systems of innovation in their respective countries. Many countries including Botswana and Namibia, have embraced the concept of national systems of innovation into their national policies for science, technology and innovation. The study did literature review on theories, models and characteristics of National Systems of Innovation, including science, technology and Innovation (STI) policies from both countries and how these STI policies drive wealth creation as well as outlining challenges faced in implementing the STI polices, aspects of university industry linkages and role of government in creating an enabling environment. The methodology adopted by the study was Mixed Method research design which was a pragmatic philosophical worldview of explanatory sequential mixed methods that compared Botswana’s and Namibia’s National Systems of Innovation for economic competitiveness. This study presented findings of a comparative analysis of innovation systems for national economic competitiveness for Botswana and Namibia by concluding that, lack of evidence-based STI policies developed with clear implementation plans, weak linkages between industry and higher education institution, including research institutes fragmented systems or nodes of innovation, hampers economic growth and development. Finally, the study recommended for policy cohesiveness that encourages consistency in governance and coordination of science and technology portfolios to promote social innovations, strengthening linkages between governments, higher education institution & industry, support physical infrastructure for research & development, through committing funds for the procurement of equipment needed by scientists and technicians in both countries. The study has both practical and academic importance. Firstly, it provides solutions to questions constantly asked by academic practitioners and policy makers on how to customize the concept of a National System of Innovation, which is modelled on knowledge-based economies to an African situation and how it helps nations gain national economic competitiveness. Secondly, the study contributes to the body of knowledge by generating literature and closing the knowledge gap on the application of the innovation system concept to resource-based economies like Botswana and Namibia.