Technology Policy and Practice in Africa

The Handbook of Research on Information Communication Technology Policy: Trends, Issues and Advancements provides a comprehensive and reliable source of information on current developments in information communication technologies. This source includes ICT policies; a guide on ICT policy formulation, implementation, adoption, monitoring, evaluation and application; and background information for scholars and researchers interested in carrying out research on ICT policies.

This book examines the links between public policy and Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) technological developments in Africa. It broadly assesses three key areas – policy entrepreneurship, policy tools and citizen participation – in order to better understand the interfaces between public policy and technological transformations in African countries. The book presents incisive case studies on topics including AI policies, mobile money, e-budgeting, digital economy, digital agriculture and digital ethical dilemmas in order to illuminate technological proliferation in African policy systems. Its analysis considers the broader contexts of African state politics and governance. It will appeal to students, instructors, researchers and practitioners interested in governance and digital transformations in developing countries.

Technological Pathways for Africa's Net-Zero Economy: Technology Solutions to Unlock Africa's Sustainable Future explores the potential of African countries to transition towards a net-zero economy. It highlights sustainable development challenges and opportunities Africa faces and provides insights on technological pathways toward this goal. The book emphasizes the importance of harnessing renewable energy resources, promoting green innovation, and building resilient infrastructure for a sustainable future. It calls for strong policy frameworks and international collaboration to support African countries in their transition. The book outlines seven scenarios supporting Africa's technological paths to a net-zero economy: leapfrogging, hybridization, adaptation, decentralization, sustainable development, promotion, and finance.These scenarios aim to adopt innovative technologies and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Investing in education and capacity-building programs is crucial for African countries to effectively implement sustainable energy solutions, so the book also highlights the role of education and awareness in fostering a culture of sustainability among African communities and empowering them to actively participate in climate action initiatives. - Takes into account the unique socioeconomic and environmental context of Africa, which is crucial for developing tailored strategies and solutions that are suitable for the continent - Offers practical insights and recommendations for policymakers, businesses, and individuals to navigate the challenges and opportunities of transitioning to a sustainable future - Highlights successful case studies from other regions that can serve as inspiration and learning points for Africa's journey towards a net-zero economy

This Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of technology assessment (TA) practices, theories, methods and cultures across the globe. Highlighting the significant influence of rapidly changing technology on human life and development, it examines diverse perspectives on how TA can be developed to better meet the challenges of the future. This title contains one or more Open Access chapters.

The combined edition of 2009-2010 of the international and interdisciplinary Summer Academy proceedings sheds light on major challenges in the fi ld of energy and the environment: climate policy, renewable energy and grid related questions. The collection of articles begins with an overview of efforts in the field of international climate policy and development, such as the United Nations' CDM (Clean Development Mechanism). It goes on to study the regional particularities of climate and environmental policy-making, using case studies from Europe, China and Africa. Finally, the proceedings consider the important part that energy will play in curbing climate change. After all, this sector is the major contributor of CO2 emissions and therefore the major cause of global warming. Transitional energy sources like gas will be discussed, and the necessary adjustments to our current energy infrastructure will be analyzed in case studies on grids from South America and Europe.

This book provides a pragmatic analytical model grounded on the solid idea that technologies and the accompanying implementation efforts only make sense if they are successfully deployed in markets. The analytical model also provides an exhaustive analysis of all critical variables at the global, regional and national levels, which contribute to failure or success of technology transfer efforts. The model is validated by an incisive analysis of technology transfer experiences of Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan (province of China), and Malaysia. While this book finds that these East Asian countries have had both diverging and converging models, and experiences with technology transfer, the enduring and fundamental aspects of technology transfer in specific industrial sectors and economic growth in these countries is then used to draw lessons for African countries. This book therefore is a timely and compelling piece of research work that provides valuable answers to the increasingly urgent question of how African countries can industrialize through technology transfer to meet their economic development and growth ideals.

'ICT Pathways to Poverty Reduction' presents a conceptual framework to analyse how poverty dynamics change over time and to shed light on whether ICT access benefits the poor as well as the not-so-poor. Essential reading for policymakers, researchers, and academics in international development or ICT for development.

Although in recent years some emerging economies have improved their performance in terms of R&D investment, outputs and innovative capacity, these countries are still blighted by extreme poverty, inequality and social exclusion. Hence, emerging countries are exposed to conditions which differ quite substantially from the dominant OECD model of innovation policy for development and welfare. This Research Handbook contributes to the debate by looking at how innovation theory, policy and practice interact, and explains different types of configurations in countries that are characterized by two contrasting but mutually reinforcing features: systemic failure and resourcefulness. Focusing on innovation governance and public policies, it aims to understand related governance failures and to explore options for alternative, more efficient approaches.

In macro-, meso- and micro-economic systems, the concept of innovation involves a variety of resources and functions. It includes all formal and informal institutions, networks and actors that influence innovation and act as innovation boosters within companies, at the territorial level, at the level of innovation networks or in national economies. This book deals with innovation in a globalized context in terms of the entrepreneur, enterprise, territorial and sectoral systems and national systems of innovation in which collective innovation processes are formed.