ISN’T THERE A BETTER WAY? THE CASE FOR A PARADIGM SHIFT IN R&D IN NIGERIA

Abstract

In today's globalised world, the role of Science and Technology (S&T) in national development cannot becompromised. Several nations of the world have demonstrated how quickly S&T can bring about transformations in national status. However, the impact of S&T on development in Nigeria is not yet pronounced. Indeed, research and development (R&D) efforts within the country do not sufficiently translate into needs-based solutions. It is within this context that this paper reviews the present status of R&D in Nigeria in what we call the old paradigm. A new paradigm which is based on the joining of science, technology and innovation is presented. We argue that until S&T capabilities are effectively diffused through innovation, the benefits derivable from S&T are not actually realised in an economy; and that an effectively wired National Innovation System (NIS) is required for this to happen.