EAI International Conference on Technology, R&D, Education and Economy for Africa

Research Article

Smart specialisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: opportunities and challenges

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  • @INPROCEEDINGS{10.4108/eai.21-3-2018.2275700,
        author={Mafini Dosso and Alexander Kleibrink and Monika Matusiak},
        title={Smart specialisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: opportunities and challenges},
        proceedings={EAI International Conference on Technology, R\&D, Education and Economy for Africa},
        publisher={EAI},
        proceedings_a={TREE},
        year={2018},
        month={8},
        keywords={innovation policies smart specialisation industrial transformation sub-saharan africa},
        doi={10.4108/eai.21-3-2018.2275700}
    }
    
  • Mafini Dosso
    Alexander Kleibrink
    Monika Matusiak
    Year: 2018
    Smart specialisation in Sub-Saharan Africa: opportunities and challenges
    TREE
    EAI
    DOI: 10.4108/eai.21-3-2018.2275700
Mafini Dosso1,*, Alexander Kleibrink1, Monika Matusiak1
  • 1: European Commission Joint Research Centre
*Contact email: Mafini.dosso@ec.europa.eu

Abstract

This paper calls for a better integration of place-, evidence-based and inclusive dimensions in the implementation of the Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) strategic plans in sub-Saharan Africa. In order to do so, the analysis contrasts with and takes inspiration from the recent and ongoing international experiences in the elaboration of Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation or RIS3. An illustration of Côte d’Ivoire is exploited in order to suggest perspectives for smarter innovation-led diversification strategies exploiting the local assets. Pragmatic recommendations are drawn for more effective innovation-based local development strategies.