Harnessing Science, Technology and Innovations (STI) for Sustainable Industrial and Economic Development

Abstract

In this paper the critical nature of science, technology and innovations were established. The fundamental and unique roles for sustainable industrial and economic development were also discussed. The complex and multifaceted innovation systems and their interactive network (i.e. actors and linkages) were related. As regards what triggers off innovation, clear cases of recent development evolving as a result of negative technological responses like the challenge of carbon emission triggering off the development of eco friendly products were used to drive home the point. The paper then brought it home by addressing the state of science and technological innovation in Nigeria, stating reasons for poor state of science and technological innovations. Having identified the problems, the paper proffered solutions on the way forward with special focus on Nigeria. A coherent national policy guideline that is properly coordinated, sound educational system with adequate infrastructure, focusing on areas of comparative advantage, collaboration between industry and academia, among others were advocated. Finally, a call of state of emergency was made to emphasize the urgency of the matter.

Keywords: Science, Technology, Innovation, Knowledge, Sustainable, Nigeria, Education, Engineering, Development, Economy