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Reverse Engineered Innovation Cluster
Science Parks: A Case Study for Nigeria
Umar Buba Bindir
Abstract The critical role of science, technology and innovation in evolving a
vibrant and successful economy of any nation is well acknowledged. Science and
Technology Parks have long been identified and applied as a veritable tool for
accelerated economic development. Nigeria in recent times has conducted a series
of experiments to trigger the development of its economy using technology.
Although lessons on establishing S&T parks for development from many countries
revealed numerous evolution options, typically implementing S&T parks have
been demonstrated to be medium- to long-term projects. Furthermore, global S&T
Parks development revealed that Africa is nearly totally left out in this phenomenon.
To catch up, the continent requires an urgent and innovative ''leap-frogging''
methodology. This chapter illustrates a model to evolve viable S&T parks in Nigeria.
''Reverse Engineered Innovation Clusters'' from the existing networks of S&T
institutions present a feasible option. Nigeria is a key country in the continent and the
analysis of opportunities presented by its STI system may offer hope and relevance
for the nation and for Africa.
1 Introduction
The critical role of science, technology and innovation in evolving a vibrant and
successful economy of any nation is well acknowledged. The following facts can
demonstrate this core importance of S&T for development:
Once upon a time, not so many centuries ago, Europe was a poor continent.
Then it discovered three things:
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