Abstract:
We consider two essential conditions for knowledge production, and eventually invention in the Horn of Africa region, namely necessary condition (exiting or new needs) and sufficient condition (capacity and ability). This paper investigates how and why necessity and capacity, and capability creates or not create an opportunity for knowledge or stock of knowledge production in the Horn of Africa region that leads to invention and innovation.
There is a recurring natural disaster, and we expect that there is a heightened motivation to adapt to natural disaster. Hence, we will examine if a joint production function of disaster estimation and favorable conditions for knowledge production better explain the inventiveness situation in the Horn of Africa.
Early findings show that R&D investment and human resource engaged in research boost invention and innovation in the region. However, based on the data available and due to serious problems with the data in the region, it is not possible to breakdown to specific countries or location. In terms of knowledge spill over in the region, there is clear indication that the East African region (Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda) exerts a significant influence on knowledge production in the Horn of Africa
Finally, the proxy measure of the impact of the disaster, like the number of people who died (death count) as well as number of people affected shows a negative, but insignificant influence on knowledge production as shown in all the Models. The conclusion is that unless supported by capacity and ability, necessity alone will not yield inventiveness in the HOA.