The Role of Scientific Research in the Policy-Making Process in African Economies

Abstract

The central argument of this paper is that it is the responsibility of university and research institutions to undertake objective scientific research which can serve as the basis of formulating sound and sustainable socio-economic development policies in African countries. Unfortunately, scientific research as a tool of government policy has not been given adequate attention by policy-makers in many African Countries . In fact, the relationship between policy-makers and university / research and training institutions in the continent has not been very encouraging, particularly in those countries which have not established formal national structures for interface and dialogue. Thus, for scientific research findings to have the desirable impact on the policy-making process and the socio-economic development in Africa, it is recommended among other things that: first, African governments should provide adequate funding and infrastructure for research; second, African universities and research institutions should aim at excellence by improving upon the quality of their scientific research, and properly address their research endeavours to the contemporary issues, challenges, and problems of national development; third, an interface to promote collaboration and cooperation, build trust and confidence, and promote dialogue between policy-makers, university research and training institution backed by appropriate, adequate and broad database should be put in place. Keywords: Scientific Research; Policy-Making; Policy-Makers; University; Research Institutions, Interface; Africa DOI: 10.7176/PPAR/10-5-07 Publication date: May 31 st 2020