The diffusion of innovation in low-income countries

Project overview
Project lead: Xiaolan Fu, University of Oxford
Start date: 1 September 2012
End date: 29 February 2016
Technological innovation is a key element of industrialisation and catch-up in developing countries, but innovation tends to be highly concentrated in developed countries and among a small number of firms. The transfer, adoption and adaptation of knowledge to low-income countries (LICs) is therefore an important issue for economic growth and global development.
This research project explored determinants and transmission channels for effective innovation creation, diffusion and adoption in LICs under institutional, resource and affordability constraints. In particular, it looked at:
- The barriers to innovation creation and diffusion in LICs under institutional, resource and affordability constraints and the space for innovation policy;
- The determinants of knowledge diffusion in LICs from leading innovators to latecomers, in particular the role of university-industry linkage and inter-firm networks;
- The effect of external knowledge diffusion to LICs, in particular the productivity impact of South-South trade and FDI with a special focus on Chinese trade and FDI in Africa;
- Developing an SME open innovation network model to increase frugal innovation for the poorer societies in LICs.
Related content
The Growth Impact of Chinese Direct Investment on Host Developing Countries
Journal article
Innovation under the Radar: The Nature and Sources of Innovation in Africa
Book
Understanding the diffusion and adoption of digital finance innovation in emerging economies: M-Pesa money mobile transfer service in Kenya
Journal article
Innovation and productivity in formal and informal firms in Ghana
Journal article
The diffusion of innovation in low-income countries
Impact case study
Diffusion of innovation in low-income countries
Brief
Create or buy? – what is more efficient way of innovate, between In-house innovation and innovation outsourcing, in Tunisia
Dissertation/Thesis
Chinese MNEs and managerial knowledge transfer in Africa: the case of the construction sector in Ghana
Journal article