Imitation and innovation of practices in science and technology: lessons from Asia and Europe for Tanzania
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Date
2023-09-14
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East African Journal of Science, Technology and Innovation
Abstract
Imitation and innovation are often seen as opposing paths to advancement in science and technology.
However, this paper argues that a balanced approach that combines both imitation and innovation could
accelerate Tanzania's development in these areas. This study has four specific objectives, namely, to assess:
(1) The role of imitation and innovation of practices in science and technology; (2) Challenges that Tanzania
faces in imitation and innovation of practices in science and technology; (3) Lessons for Tanzania in
imitation and innovation in science and technology from Asia and Europe; and, (4) Strategies that Tanzania
may use to benefit from imitation and innovation in science and technology lessons from Asia and Europe.
By reviewing the literature on the interplay between imitation and innovation in Asia and Europe, the
paper demonstrates how these regions have used both strategies to achieve rapid development in their
science and technology sectors. The study found that imitation and innovation are important drivers of
economic development for countries. Asia and Europe adapted strategies such as copycat, frugality, social
innovation, the role of knowledge and technology transfer, innovation ecosystems, strong institutions,
adapted disruption, balancing exploration and exploitation, systems of innovation, and intellectual
properties for steering their development. For Tanzania, the paper recommends learning from the success
of Asian countries like Japan and South Korea in imitating and improving their technology, as well as
European countries like Germany and Sweden in cultivating an education culture that values innovation
while taking advantage of the latest technologies and best practices from other countries. However,
shortage of funding in the education system, poor infrastructure, lack of skilled workforce, and limited
research and development might hamper the imitation and innovation in science and technology in
Tanzania. Current government efforts are geared towards removing these bottlenecks.
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Development, Imitation, Innovation, Practices, Science, Tanzania, Technology