Fostering Growth in Uganda's Innovation System

Sammanfattning: Research and innovation are key drivers for economic growth and competitiveness of countries. Of recent research and innovation-related initiatives have arisen in Uganda pointing to an evolving innovation system in the country and to the need to deepen understanding of the transformations taking place therein. This thesis provides evidence of this evolving innovation system in the country and makes recommendations to foster growth in it. A participatory research approach was employed using a combination of both qualitative and quantitative tools including key informant interviews and review of key policy documents, organizational reports and publications. Findings show that the role of research and innovation in driving economic growth and development was recognised in Uganda as early as the 1950s and 60s. But practical measures on how to integrate them into the national development planning process were lacking. It was not until the 1990s and 2000s that a realistic number of research and innovation initiatives started to emerge. These initiatives ranged from increased support to research, science policy development to supporting innovative business clusters. Arguably gains from these and other efforts would be enhanced, if government adopts a dual funding strategy for research and innovation, which on the one hand involves annual competitive grants and on the other hand increased core support to universities and research institutes. The public organizations create within them enabling conditions for creativity and enterprise development. The quality of education is improved at all levels to maintain a constant supply of a skilled scientific workforce. Ultimately, these efforts require inclusive innovation policies, which promote linkages and interactions between actors engaged in innovation processes both in country and abroad.