Science and technology parks: An overview of the ongoing initiatives in Africa

Abstract

The aim of our study is to review the readiness of selected African countries to invest in Science and Technology Parks and manage them effectively. This is justified by the fact that the number of ongoing or foreseen projects aiming at the establishment of Science Parks is growing on one side. On another side, we observe simultaneously a persisting lack of critical scientific mass for knowledge production and the limited cases of success with regard to those which have been already established. Our study will also raise a provocative query or concern about possible alternative forms of infrastructure that can be most effective and appropriate to support the promotion of technologies and innovations in African countries. Key words: Science park, technology park, Africa, knowledge society, high technology readiness.