How Africa Can Overcome Barriers To Innovation

credit: Wikimedia Commons

Government has a significant role to play in fostering innovation in the economy. In the developed world, government funding of research and support for intellectual property and patent protection laws has fostered a culture of innovation and invention, which spills from government funded research into the general economy, driving growth. Entrepreneurs and innovators in developing countries face serious challenges in the absence of such business-friendly government policies, although, in recent years, some developing countries have started to introduce patent laws and the like.

Despite these challenges, African countries have in recent years overcome some of these barriers to innovation. New technologies are rising to meet demands of increasingly sophisticated and discerning consumers throughout the continent. Moreover, the decentralization and diffusion of talent allows a degree of organicity in the development of new technologies. By finding and supporting these innovators and entrepreneurs, African countries can foster organic, native growth, improving their economies and the living standards of their people.

Read the Entire Article

A customized collection of grant news from foundations and the federal government from around the Web.

How's Your Community Doing?
Check Out it's
Community Vital Signs

Philanthropic Follies

The Wall Street Journal profiles the new book \"The Good Rich and What They Cost Us.\" According to the reviewer, the book, which covers over two centuries of American philanthropy, posits that...more

Financial Aid Information Session Hosted by Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Foundation: Kalamazoo Community Foundation

The Wall Street Journal profiles the new book \"The Good Rich and What They Cost Us.\" According to the reviewer, the book, which covers over two centuries of American philanthropy, posits that...more

As Asian-American Population Grows So Does Philanthropy in the Communities
Foundation: American India Foundation, Korean American Community Foundation

The Chronicle of Philanthropy highlights a New York Times article focusing on the growth of Asian American philanthropy. Asian-Americans who have built fortunes in finance and technology are...more

Mary Kay Foundation Awards Grants

Waypoint Madge Phillips Center Shelter has recently received a $20,000 grant from The Mary Kay Foundation in observation of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October. According to Anne...more

Paulding Education Foundation Awards $7,500

Paulding Education Foundation has recently awarded $7,500 to Paulding schools as a result of the foundation\'s School Grant Program. Recipients include South Paulding High School, Austin Middle...more

Make-A-Wish Foundation Crapo Park Walk Fundraiser

The Make-A-Wish Foundation will be holding its big fall fundraiser, a walk around Crapo Park in Burlington to help grant wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses, raising on average $8,600...more