Innovation Hubs and Research Centres for Modernisation by Universities and the Devolution Agenda in Zimbabwe
Keywords:
Tertiary institutions, Devolution, Innovation, Industrialisation, Science and TechnologyAbstract
Zimbabwe's academic institutions are at a vital juncture, with an increasing acknowledgment of the value of science and its application
in society, and associated attempts to strengthen scientific, technological, and innovation initiatives on the continent. Tertiary
institutions should be the nerve centres of the push to expedite modernisation and industrialisation by developing inventions and
answers to economic difficulties. Under the devolution agenda, universities in Zimbabwe are concentrating on modernisation and
using innovation centres and industrial parks to develop goods and services that influence all economic sectors. The Zimbabwean
government has established numerous organisations to hasten the development of institutions' roles in the devolution agenda. For
methodology, the study engaged qualitative research methods drawing literature from books, journal articles, statutes, the
constitution, and other publications. For data analysis, the study engaged in textual analysis. Africa's contribution to research and
development (R&D) was 1.3% in 2015, compared to its around 5% share of the world gross domestic product (GDP). Despite this poor
performance, rigorous study on the function of innovation hubs and research centres within the framework of the larger innovation
system and sustainable development in Africa, particularly Zimbabwe has been limited. It is concluded that science, technology, and
innovation are important catalysts to realise a high quality of life for people. As such, the setting up of innovation hubs and research
centres in institutions of higher learning is key in this respect. The government should create policy guidelines and guides to help with
devolution implementation.
