Understanding systems of innovation in Africa: A political economy approach

Volume editor

Mario Scerri

Synopsis

This groundbreaking edited volume offers a fresh and critical perspective on innovation in Africa, challenging conventional, technocentric interpretations of national systems of innovation (NSI). Moving beyond the narrow focus on science, technology and formal institutions, the book adopts a political economy approach that incorporates both formal and informal sectors as well as socio-economic and political dynamics.

Through rich theoretical insights and compelling case studies from South Africa and other African contexts, the book demonstrates how innovation is often driven by informal economies and non-technological elements that have been historically sidelined in mainstream discourse. It also examines pressing contemporary issues such as ecological degradation, climate change, green energy transitions, and sub-national innovation ecosystems, offering practical policy recommendations for inclusive science, technology and innovation (STI) development.

Anchoring its analysis in a novel understanding of post-colonial African economies, the book provides a heterodox approach to NSI that is highly relevant for scholars, policymakers, and practitioners interested in economic development, innovation policy, and sustainable, inclusive growth.

Chapters

Foreword

Brand Okolo
Introduction
Understanding systems of innovation in Africa

Mario Scerri
Chapter 1
The dependency-led accumulation regime: Implications for systems of innovation in Africa

Mario Scerri
Chapter 2
South Africa’s system of innovation within the context of its financialised system of accumulation

Seeraj Mohamed
Chapter 3
Innovation and precarious workers in South Africa: The innovation and organising nexus

Mondli Hlatshwayo
Chapter 4
Mobility, informal innovation and artisanal mining in the abandoned commercial mines in South Africa

Esther Makheta
Chapter 5
Theoretical considerations of innovation in Africa’s extractive industry: From resource curse to inclusive development

Martin Kaggwa
Chapter 6
Ecological challenges for systems of innovation analysis in Africa

Rasigan Maharajh
Chapter 7
‘Green’ energy solutions and investment models: Interrogating the strategies of new forms of accumulation in Africa

Michelle Pressend
Chapter 8
Science, technology and innovation and inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development in Africa

Mlungisi Cele
Chapter 9
The health of the sub-national innovation ecosystem in Africa

Stacey-Leigh Joseph, Geci Karuri-Sebina, Amy Mutua
Endnote

Mario Scerri

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ISBN-13 (15)

978-1-997449-03-4