From STI Policy Objectives to Infrastructures

This study purposively selected 148 Science and Engineering Journals out of the 221 Journals registered on the African Journal Online (AJOL) directory. Data harvested were analyzed on a year-wise basis from 2012 to 2016, to identify the positive or negative growth trend of research output. The open source software “Publish or Perish” was used to query metrical data for the purposively selected journals by accessing the Google scholar database over the internet. Data were obtained to determine the degree of collaboration based on the 19 thematic areas as identified in the Nigerian Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy document. It was further examined by measuring the authorship pattern and co-authorship index (CAI). The analysis from the study provides information on the productivity of research that has been carried out in the various thematic areas in Nigerian Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy. It also provides information on the nature and extent of collaboration of research among the actors in the research and development system. It thus serves as a reference tool for policymakers to review science, technology and innovation policy in Nigeria.

This study tries to analyse the science, technology and innovation (STI) policies based on experts` opinions and modelling of STI's policy analysis in Iran, using a mixed approach. To achieve this goal, a Meta-synthesis analysis is followed. First, relevant literature and successful experiences in the STI of several countries are reviewed thoroughly. By using a qualitative study, the proposed model dimensions, including actors, strategies, laws, resources and evaluation systems are recognised and through a field study the validity of them are tested. Gathering data through questionnaire and designing structural equation modelling framework for analysing them by LISREL software approved the proposed model. The results indicate that the STI policies of Iran are at the middle position in terms of all five determinants of the model of this study. Finally, based on overall findings, several policy implications are offered to improve the positions of dimensions of the STI policy analysis model.

Policies for science, technology and innovation: Translating rationales into regional policies in a multi-level setting

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse innovation models and interdisciplinarity in science, technology and innovation (STI) policy in Costa Rica between 2015 and 2021. The core focus is to evaluate the public policy in light of the groundwork that sustains the designed and proposed actions.Design/methodology/approachThe authors applied a qualitative approach to build a set of dimensions and conducted content-analysis of selected documents. The analysis encompasses all current STI public policy documents in Costa Rica, including the planning instruments of the Central Government and the National Policy on STI.FindingsThe main findings show that STI policy in Costa Rica is based on different innovation models, but the projects and instruments themselves show the predominance of the reductionist model. Innovation receives a residual role. In turn, interdisciplinarity is based on the concept of convergence, which limits disciplinary collaboration to the natural, physical and engineering sciences, minimising contributions from other fields of knowledge to an instrumental role in innovation processes.Practical implicationsThe authors conclude that the interlinkage between open innovation models, the participation of diverse societal actors and the inclusion of an interdisciplinary perspective leads to inclusive and more democratic public policy, allowing more sectors and organisations to benefit from innovation processes. This would imply a greater reach and impact of the policy, conditions that translate into innovation achievements and a better return on public investment.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to current discussions on STI policy by studying the implications of the link among policies, innovation models and interdisciplinarity.

Science & Technology (S&T) is recognised in intellectual discourse and public policymaking as strategic for development in contemporary times. The study assesses development planning experience in Nigeria and attempts to make a case for the integration of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy within the overall framework of national development planning. Content analyses of the development plan documents were made alongside exposition on theoretical perspectives on S&T for growth and development. The framework leads to some implications for Nigeria's development plan. A survey of the theoretical perspectives on the interrelations between STI and national development is also undertaken. As Science & Technology planning is grossly lacking in Nigeria’s development planning, the paper prescribes principles for effective interfacing of STI policy with national development plans. It draws attention to the essence of regular exchange of information between the sectors of Nigeria's economy and the Ministry of Science & Technology and the National Planning Commission, both at construction and implementation of plans. Development planning in Nigeria will serve the better if it is comprehensive and detailed to include S&T policy and programme. The regimes of ad-hoc/disintegrated sectoral reforms must no longer be allowed to rob the economy of desired growth and development. While the planning of STI activities is of critical importance, the paper seems the first to call attention to the significance of integrating STI with the overall framework of national planning in Nigeria.

Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has emerged in recent years, in Europe and across the world, as a model of scientific and technological advancement that is the result of the cooperation of actors that traditionally worked in an autonomous way. Advanced perspectives on RRI suggest how knowledge and solutions should be co-produced by diverse actors working in synergy, including civil society and citizens. This article introduces the notion of co-creation as a framework to operationalize RRI. The article discusses insights coming from ten labs across Europe, where experiments in co-design processes and tools are designing and testing solutions to societal challenges under diverse science, technology and innovation (STI) policies. Furthermore, it compares empirical insights with the debate on experimentation of co-creation practices in STI policy making and on the potentialities and limitations of design for policy. Moreover, the article discusses the restricted focus of RRI, which has primarily concentrated on scientific and technological research and science-based innovation, highlighting the need to include other forms of innovation (like social and human centered innovation) and perspectives to sustain the concrete uptake of RRI in diverse contexts.

This chapter aims at discussing the main challenges of designing and implementing science, technology and innovation (STI) policies in developing countries. In particular, it addresses the problems of: a) aligning STI policies with the national economic development agenda, as well as coordinating STI policies among different ministries and other public organizations, and among diverse government levels (horizontal alignment); and b) aligning rationales, objectives, instruments and specific problems of the system (vertical alignment). In addition, the main barriers for designing and implementing STI policies are examined. The chapter combines theory and concepts with examples of STI policy design and implementation in Asian and Latin American countries to illustrate the arguments. The analysis of STI policies as innovation system policies suggests that developing countries need policies that are comprehensive, evidence based, long-term and aligned. (Less)

This study focuses on Brazil’s international co-operation in science and technology (S&T), notably technical transfers to the semiarid branch of the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa) from the early 1990s onwards. It is based on interviews with Embrapa personnel, as well as literature and documentary reviews. It starts by outlining a conceptual framework. Next, it examines Brazil’s Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy, and compares this policy and actual S&T co-operation initiatives in order to establish whether they converge or diverge. The co-operation in question involved a diversified agenda aimed at meeting global demands, encompassing issues such as the green economy, clean and renewable energy, climate change and desertification, species extinction threats, social technologies, and biodiversity. The study shows that international collaboration in the period under review largely conformed with Brazil’s STI policy. However, it identifies some gaps and areas of concern, notably a degree of fragmentation between the macro and micro levels of co-operation, which should be effectively managed if S&T collaboration is to consolidate Brazil’s international role and its geo-political interests.

Globally, advanced countries and institutions put emphasis on Foresight studies that create spaces for structured dialogue with a focus on systemic or transformative innovation. Aligned with the coordination of societal actors the aim is to increase their ability to orient innovation systems to address common challenges. In doing so it increases the relevance of foresight activities and its impacts in the decision-making processes. The paper describes evolution of Foresight in Brazil comparing it with worldwide dynamics. It highlights five partly interconnected Foresight generations and two Foresight modes, describes their essence. Special attention is paid to activities of the Center for Strategic Studies and Management in Science, Technology and Innovation (CGEE). In order to promote a transformative change in this direction and support the design and implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies in Brazil, CGEE is shifting the focus of its foresight activities. It is moving from a focus on optimisation to one that builds a bridge between optimisation and contingency at the same time that it invites and embraces uncertainty, complexity and creativity throughout the process. Our aim is to use the debates on future as a trigger to spark imagination and expand the collective understanding of the present. These are then translated into actual recommendations for policy design and implementation or into new strategic questions that should be investigated and addressed in order to reorient the Brazilian National Innovation System (NIS).

Current governance of science, technology and innovation (STI) faces tough challenges to meet demands arising from complex issues such as societal challenges or targets, e.g. the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. For decades, scholars and civil society institutions have called for increased public participation in STI, and political institutions have been taking up the request to integrate engagement activities into their decision-making processes, at least in the form of consultations. Moving engagement in research and development further upstream makes early interventions and social shaping of technologies and innovation possible. Since research has also faced repeated requests towards taking on more responsibility for solving societal problems, engagement processes thus help in shaping research. Here, the earliest point for possible engagement can be found within the constituting phase of research agendas as topics, general lines of enquiry and targets are shaped in this phase. These are the boundaries in between which researchers later navigate. This article serves as introduction to this journal’s topical collection on participatory agenda setting for research and innovation (PASE). It provides a review of the literature on theory and practice of PASE activities, summarises the topical collection’s contributions regarding current international cases and analyses respective PASE limits and benefits, thereby promoting its conceptual and practical understanding.

Purpose: This paper will formulate the required poverty eradication strategy with the required pro-poor and social protection policies and other needed procedures to contribute to Sudan’s post-war recovery. Design/methodology/approach: The paper uses quantitative and qualitative analysis to conceptualise all required policies, strategies and approaches that will create the needed synergies between the pro-poor, social protection policies and economic opportunities. The analysis is based on evaluating technical processes and services together with an intensive literature review from earlier published papers. Findings: The analysis process led to identifying the science, technology and innovation (STI) policies for the development of smart cities all across Sudan; certain governance policies towards an efficient and just new civil service; strategic management policies to link all economic sectors instead of acting in separate silos; and the required natural resources management policies for better productive synergies across Sudan. Value: The paper draws a clear path towards building peace in the minds of all men and women, while increasing their nationalism and ensuring their dignity and prosperity in post-war Sudan. Research limitations/implications: The study dwells on the available limited data; future work could be expanded when more data are available. Practical implications: The paper could easily be part of a serious programme for an elected technocrat government. Keywords: Policies; Poverty Eradication; Pro-Poor; Social Justice; Compact Urban Development; Aerotrain; Governance; Darfur Region. Citation: Hassan, N. (2025): A Practical Poverty Eradication Strategy for a Perceptive Post-War Sudan. International Journal of Sudan Research (IJSR), Vol 12, No. 2, pp. 147-162.

While traditional science, technology and innovation (STI) policy has emphasised protecting intellectual property through patents and copyright, evidence suggests these tools may not optimally serve both innovators and society. Alternative innovation approaches based on openness and shared technology are emerging that could better address societal needs while supporting more sustainable production. We examine the development of 3D printing technology, where the expiration of key patents enabled a dynamic, open innovation ecosystem. This open-source approach has led to new forms of collaborative organisation around shared designs and resources, facilitating broad technology adoption across diverse communities. Analysing these practices through the lens of digital commons practices, we explore how they enabled alternative business models in 3D printing, while acknowledging tensions with dominant market structures. We propose an STI framework based on the commons that prioritises social and environmental benefits in alignment with post-growth values.

This article offers a new framework for understanding the beliefs behind science, technology and innovation (STI) policy. Building on recent research that has identified several distinct ‘policy paradigms’ in STI policy, it explains how these paradigms may be understood as hierarchical belief systems, and it identifies different variants within each paradigm. The article then illuminates one means through which countries may transition from one paradigm to another in this domain, focusing on the international diffusion of the ‘innovation systems policy’ paradigm after the 1980s. The article emphasizes how local ideology regarding state intervention in the economy shapes how the new paradigm is localized in the receiving state. To probe the plausibility of this theory, the article presents an in-depth case study focused on China’s reception and localization of the innovation systems policy paradigm in recent decades.

From astronomy and aerospace engineering to satellite Earth observation, space sciences and technologies have the potential to contribute both directly and indirectly to Sustainable Development. This publication highlights such opportunities, proposing science, technology and innovation (STI) policy options for harnessing space-enabled technologies – and the real-time information and time-series data they provide – to deliver and monitor progress on key Sustainable Development Goals. The role of regional and international research collaboration in support of these efforts is also discussed here, as the achievement of ambitious global goals within widely differing local contexts requires the combination of space capabilities with detailed local knowledge. Global collaboration offers great potential to contribute to this process, providing opportunities to create new knowledge and diffuse existing knowledge for increased impact.

Science, technology and innovation (STI) policy aimed at technological advance, international competitiveness and wealth creation underpins the regulation of publicly funded research. Familiar quantitative evaluative ‘metrics’ fit snugly with these economic objectives. A re-imagined STI policy embraces wider intellectual, social, cultural, environmental and economic returns, using qualitative measures and processes to capture research outcomes.