Abstract
This chapter explains the often confusing differences between research, development, invention and innovation. The goal is to better appreciate the types and levels of the various activities in Africa, and to place the subject of research and innovation into context. It discusses the interplay between social and technological innovations with a view to understanding the nature and dominant type(s) of innovation in Africa. It suggests that the predominant innovation in Africa is social innovation based on the landscape and characteristics of African research and innovation, including financing mechanisms and the organizational management of the programs.
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Nwaka, S. (2021). Research, Invention and Innovation: Social and Technological—What Do They Mean?. In: Social and Technological Innovation in Africa. Palgrave Macmillan, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0155-2_3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-0155-2_3
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