Innovation And Economic Growth In Sub-sahara Africa:Analyzing The Impact And Challenges Of Institutions

Science,Technology and Innovation(STI)is gradually seen by countries in Sub-Sahara African as the engine for economic growth and general uplifting of the standard of living.As a result,Innovation is embraced but institutional weaknesses hinder the required outcomeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between innovation and development in sub-Sahara Africa taking into account the role of institutions and other factors.This is against the backdrop that institution is the oil that greases the wheels of development.The paper primarily focuses on countries within sub-Sahara Africa excluding North Africa and the Middle East.However,comparisons are occasionally drawn from certain countries in the west and emerging economies.This paper provides a framework on the ostensible relationship between innovation and national development taking into account the role of institutional quality.The paper explores the ingredients for a smooth takeoff of innovation drive through science and technology in developing economies.A rigorous literature-based analysis was employed by considering concepts from innovation and development.A synthesis of the various concepts and constructs leads to the development of a three-pronged conceptual framework.The findings indicate that it takes the effort of a well-developed institutional framework to evolve innovation and have it applied for the benefit of society.The paper in its essence emphasize that institutions are the facilitators of the innovation drive and that it takes an efficient and vibrant institutional setup to actualized this benefit.The framework will enrich the discourse on innovation and development by contributing to theory,research and practice in the science,technology and innovation(STI)agenda.