Some New Ideas About Research for Development

Based on research and theory about the role of knowledge in economic development, we draw a somewhat radical conclusion. While the creation and flow of new knowledge traditionally has high status, attracts policy attention and funding, the working and reworking of the stock of knowledge is much more important for economic development. Since technological change and economic innovation drive the capitalist economy, creative imitation is the central process in capitalist economic development. In economic terms, science is much more significant as a source of trained people than as a generator of new knowledge, inventions and innovations. This conclusion will be unpalatable to many. It runs directly counter to the career structure, incentives and culture of the higher education and research sector, where the creation of new knowledge is an over-riding value. It implies an end to the comparatively ‘hands off,’ project-based funding policies so far pursued by many donors in the area of
research for development, to be replaced by closer engagement with the innovation system as a whole. And it suggests a need for both funders and national policy makers to get to grips with R&D and innovation activities in the private sector, not just in public institutions.