Title: Innovation types, sources and challenges in ICT hubs: empirical evidence from Nigeria

Authors: Abimbola David Adelowo; Caleb Muyiwa Adelowo; Gbonjubola O. Binuyo; Matthew Olugbenga Ilori

Addresses: Centre for Energy Research and Development (CERD), African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation (AISPI), Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, North-West University, 11 Hoffman Street, Potchefstroom, South Africa; National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria ' African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria ' African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: The innovation pace in the information and communication technology (ICT) hubs is unprecedented, creating new opportunities for jobs and economic competitiveness. Data and information on the types, sources, and challenges of innovations in the sector are required to make the sector more productive and impactful. This study identifies the types, sources, and challenges of innovations in the sector in order to provide appropriate suggestions for enhancing innovations and productivity in Nigeria's ICT hubs. Data was collected from 125 founders and employees of ICT hub operators, spread across seven locations in Lagos State. The results show that most of the firms in the hubs engage in web and software applications such as mobile and desktop applications (apps). About 31.3% of firms also reported new product/service innovations in the last three years, including incremental and a few radical innovations. Major barriers to innovation in the sector include poor funding, irregular power supply and inadequate infrastructure. The study concludes with practical and managerial implications of the findings.

Keywords: information and communication technology; ICT hub; innovation; wealth creation; Nigeria; policy.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTLID.2023.135342

International Journal of Technological Learning, Innovation and Development, 2023 Vol.15 No.2, pp.183 - 206

Received: 18 Nov 2022
Accepted: 01 May 2023
Published online: 05 Dec 2023 *

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