Science, technology and innovation for development: A proposed framework for implementing integrated knowledge transfer and research and development partnerships

This paper proposes a generic model for a government-backed interplay between the private and public sectors; academic and research institutions, non-governmental and international bodies in implementing STI for development in Africa. In presents a discipline-independent approach to forming synergies capable of yielding tangible outcomes for improving the peoples’ quality of life. Based on an empirical analysis of the current STI state on the continent and the growing wave of globalisation, the paper recognises spontaneous realisation of STI-driven socio-economic development and prosperity as a major challenge. It thus, makes two-fold recommendations – negotiating and/or embedding Research, Development and Knowledge Transfer clauses within the Foreign Direct Investment and external aid contracts and embedding STI promoting activities within the general STI-related curricula. The model’s input and output are clearly stated and the arising issues are addressed with respect to the continent’s geo-ethnic, socio-economic, technological and cultural heterogeneity. Roles for all stakeholders in ensuring the model’s legality and universality through regulatory, legislative, technical, financial and logistical support are clearly outlined. Key words: Globalisation, Intellectual Property (IP), Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTP), Private-Public-Partnerships (PPP), Research and Development (R&D), Science, Technology and Innovation (STI).