such as Kenya, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda are currently investing between 0.5 and 1 percent of their gross domestic product in R&D. Although investments in R&D themselves do not automatically lead to innovation, the recent focus on building up R&D capability is indicative of the changing geography of innovation potential. Several studies corroborate the impact of rising R&D investments on productivity, exports, and to some extent job creation, and poverty reduction (Lejour, Mervar, and Verweij 2008; Dercon and others 2009; IFPRI 2013).
Evaluation Rationale The World Bank Group has supported lending and non-lending activities in science, technology, and innovation (STI) for more than three decades. But the contribution of the Bank Group’s activities to innovation and entrepreneurship has never been subject to a comprehensive evaluation. Previous reviews of activities touching on this area have been limited to World Bank lending to support scientific and technological research, development, and capacity building (Goel and others 2003; Crawford and others 2006). This evaluation is the first comprehensive review to span the broad range of policies and instruments that the Bank Group institutions have used to support innovation and entrepreneurship. The timing of this evaluation is significant for three reasons. First, innovation strategies, policies, and instruments are gaining in importance across all networks, sectors, and regions of the World Bank Group. The development of innovative ideas and tools is now considered essential for accelerating the pace of innovation and achieving development results (see Box 1.1). Second, an earlier, limited review of World Bank science and technology (S&T)
BOX 1.1 Recent Developments in the Bank Group Approach to Innovation
In 2011, the Innovation, Technology, and Entrepreneurship Practice (ITE) was established as one of the six global practices of the Finance and Private Sector Development Network. The practice’s objective is to be a hub of networks and experts in the Bank Group and generator of knowledge around the topics of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. The ITE Practice supports innovation-driven productivity with the goal of creating more and better-paying jobs, increase success rates of growth-oriented small and medium-size enterprises and entrepreneurs, and foster inclusive innovation by strengthening private sector innovation and entrepreneurial capacity. SOURCE:
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World Bank.
World Bank Group Support for Innovation and Entrepreneurship