SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY MANAGEMENT: EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER LANDS by Musbau A. AKANJI Department of Biochemistry and Haas J. AKANBI, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Dec 26, 2015
SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION POLICY MANAGEMENT:
EXPERIENCE FROM OTHER LANDS
byMusbau A. AKANJI
Department of Biochemistry
and
Haas J. AKANBI, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Outline of PresentationIntroductionNigerian Education PolicyScience and Technology Policy of NigeriaAttempts at DevelopmentExperience from other LandsWhat can be done University of Ilorin can and should make a difference
IntroductionWhen Nigeria was ‘born’ in 1917, it suffered two handicaps:
the birth was mid-wived and the baby fostered by Britain.
since independence, Nigeria has been ruled in succession by leaders who are not interested in its long- term development
“There are few instances in British Colonial history where the future of the educated native has been consciously determined, or the educational system deliberately adjusted to fit him for it” Lord Hadley (1939) in “An African Survey”
Nigeria Educational PolicyWithin 50years of independence, the nationalpolicy on education had transited through 7: 5: 2: 3 6: 5: 2: 3 6: 6: 4 6: 3: 3: 4 9: 3: 4. In fact the idea of 9: 3: 2: 3 is now being
debated
Place of Technology in Nigeria’s Educational System
Yaba Higher College established in 1934 to train Technicians for PWD
University College, Ibadan established in 1948 without Courses in Engineering and Material Science
Major Courses at Ibadan were Humanities.
Medicine included to optimize gains from Yaba and Zaria (Kano) Higher Colleges where Medical Technician were being trained to service 2nd World War
Engineering Courses introduced with the coming of Regional Universities after Independence
Some attempts at Industrialization without STI Policy
The NIFOR Oil Palm ExperienceThe Defense Industry CorporationThe Nigerian Steel IndustryThe Oshogbo Machine Tools IndustryVehicle Assembly PlantsThe Nigerian Petroleum Refineries
Strengthening Capacities in Science
Policy and Management in Nigeria
What is happening in other
countries?
The beginnings
A tip to the President...
1939: Albert Einstein writes to FD Roosevelt
Launch of the Manhattan Project
(development of the atom bomb).
The largest S&T project ever
Mobilisation of Science & Technology for war
The beginnings (cont.)
In the US, the UK, Canada
Development of: radar
penicillin,
aircraft,
missiles
explosives
After second world war, professors in USA, UKand Canada went back to their ivory tower, like in the rest of the world:• Researchers are independent• Research topics to be chosen by themselves• Contact with industry is not necessary, may even be harmful.
This had to be changed ……………………..How?
Start ofScience and Technology Policy and Management,
post-war
Government financial support
European Union (EU)
Mission: To become the most competitive and dynamic
knowledge-based economy in the world
R&D contribution of 50 – 56% to economic growth.
Investment: Target of 3% of GDP on R&D.
China
Mission: R&D contribution of 60 % of economic growth
Investment: From 1.3% to 2.5% of GDP on R&D by 2020
Tanzania
Mission R&D contribution of 20% of economic growth
Investment: 1% of GDP on R&D
Albania 0.6% of GDP on R&D
Choice of research topics
Choose a topic that is familiar and
obvious relevant for the citizens
In a democracy, support of the citizens is essential
The polar bear in Nigeria?Not really
In Nigeria:Traditional MedicineMalariaSolar energy
Choose a research topic that is
familiar and obvious relevant
Science need to be embedded in the civil society
Open university laboratories for public
Science museum
Science in newspapers, magazines
and television
In a democracy, support of the citizens is essential
Engaging students into knowledge transfer: Problem-based learning in
Aalborg, DKIn Aalborg University, Denmark,
50% is problem-oriented project work: Students work in teams to solve problems identified in co-operation with firms, public organisations and other institutions.
At any one time there are 2000-3000 ongoing projects that ensure the university’s engagement with the surrounding society.
Map credits: Google Maps™Images credits: Aalborg Uni
Creating a one-stop-shop for industry: Knowledge House, NE of England,UK
A one-stop-shop offers expert solutions for developing ideas and solving problems through collaboration, consultancy, training and R&D.
In 2007 , it generated GBP 4.7 million by delivering 364 completed projects from over 800 business enquiries.
Map credits: Google Maps™Images credits: Knowledge House, Durham
University, University of Teesside
People-based knowledge transfer:Knowledge Transfer Partnerships KTPs, UK
A university post-graduate works in the company for 1-3 years. Under university supervision
Funding comes from the companies and public organisations.
In 2008-09 there were 977 active projects: over 6 500 staff were trained, 1 119 new jobs created A profit increase of GBP 126 million.
Images credits: Knowledge Transfer Partnerships, Technology Strategy Board, Solutions for Business
Free employer-specific training: Georgia Quick Start, US
Quickstart is part of the Technical College System of Georgia.
It has centralised staff and resources to develop and deploy customised training anywhere in the state.
By early 2010, QS has conducted 6 000 projects involving 780 000 trainees. The basic budget is USD 22 million a year.
Images credits: QuickStart
SME/foundation (started 1999)
Originated from Biochemistry, University of Groningen,The Netherlands. Received big subsidy from government
Mission: To bring university ideas to the marketTo be self-supporting
Result 2010: 2 spin-out SME’s
Experience:Very interesting way of working BUTOnly university researchers is not enoughYou need managers, marketing people, patent experts
Therefore, larger organization is required.
• Pre-incubation and business incubation and grow on space
The science park model - three zones
www.surrey-research-park.com
• Medium sized research facilities
• Large research centres and HQ
Focus/ make choices
AlbaniaVision: Achieve excellence in a small number
of priority areas by 2015.
Strategic goals:
1.Triple public spending on R&D to 0.6% of GDP
2.Add foreign sources to 40% of research spending
3.Create 4-5 Albanian centers of excellence
4.Doubling of number of researchers, both through
“brain gain” and training new ones.
5. Stimulation of innovation in 100 companies, via
direct investment, consortia with universities or foreign
partners.
Design & planningDesign & planning
What can be done Policy formulation can be achieved relatively easily
Major problem is lack of long- term plan implementation
Deliberate management of Policy to transit Regimes
Involvement of Major Stakeholder: Citizens (from Primary Schools upwards) Government at all levels Bureaucracy Parliament
Unilorin antecedents
Following its Strategic Plan in its growth & Development
Establishment of Plantations (which are not Regime limited)
Establishment of Biomedical Engineering Group
Proposals
Compile list of persons across Faculties interested in STI Policy & its Management
Form a Group to be further trained
Propose and mount Courses ( 1 or 2) at Undergraduate level (initially for students in Science & Applied Sciences)
Design and offer Postgraduate Courses in STI Policy Management (at Certificate, Diploma, Master and Doctoral levels)