Technology Incubation in Nigeria: Panacea for Technology Entrepreneurial Capabilities. By 1Agoro, Olayiwola and 2Isiaku Polycarp P.hD 1Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Abuja, Nigeria 2Central Bank of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.

Outline Introduction. Technology Incubation Technology Incubation Programme in Nigeria. Technology Incubation Centres in Nigeria Technology Incubation for Development. Technology Incubation Centres in Nigeria: The Process Kind of Technologies in TIC in Nigeria. Infrastructures Availability in TICs Nigeria.

Introduction cont’d Most nations of the world recognized R&D, vis-à-vis technology improvement, thus shifted attention to knowledge economy. Various technologies in small businesses lead to Technology Incubators for the improvement of the economy. Nigeria as a country has recognized the importance Technology Incubation.

Technology Incubation Technology Incubation focuses on technological innovation, regional development and industrial sub-contracting. Technology Incubation (TI) is a popular economic development tool which has been used by both the developed and developing economies to fast track local and regional economic development.

Technology Incubation Programme in Nigeria The programme started in 1988 with the establishment of TBIC in Lagos. Nigeria Incubation Programme has been found to be a veritable institutional mechanism aligned for R&D commercialization. The programme is designed to assist budding entrepreneurs in the development of new technology-based firms.

Technology Incubation Programme in Nigeria cont’d TIC is meant to serve as linkage between talent for development of new companies and speedy commercialization. Objectives Technology commercialization Wealth creation and Employment generation.

Technology Incubation Programme in Nigeria cont’d The National Board for Technology Incubation was created in 2005 with the following responsibilities: Provision of guidelines for the execution of technology incubation programmes. Undertake feasibility studies for establishment of TIC in Nigeria. Provision of customized Infrastructures. Provision of central facility workshop, equipment, laboratories for entrepreneurs.

Some Technology Incubation Centres in Nigeria. S/N TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE YEAR ESTABLISHED 1. MINNA TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 1988 2. WARRI TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 3. GUSAU TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 4. LAGOS TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 1993 5. KANO TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 1994 6. ABA TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 1996 7. NNEWI TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 1998 8. CALABAR TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 9. BENIN TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE 2001 10. MAIDUGURI TECHNOLOGY INCUBATION CENTRE

Kinds of Technologies in TIC in Nigeria Low Technologies: Manufacturing of simple equipment and machineries; Upgrading of traditional technologies; Hand crafts, etc. Medium Technologies: Manufacturing of electrical and electronic components and equipments; Chemical processes and manufacture of plastics items; Manufacturing of scientific equipment, etc.

Kinds of Technologies in TIC in Nigeria cont’d High Technologies: Biotechnology Processes and Products; Information & Communication Technology Software and Hardware; Space Technology Software and Hardware; Artificial intelligence; Robotics. Emerging Technologies: Advanced materials; Nanotechnologies; Laser technologies; and Others

Support Provided to TICs Nigeria Funding: Adequate funding for infrastructure and Management of the programme Venture Capital Seed Capital Human Resources: Quality Management/Staff Quality Professional Service Providers (Technical, Legal, Commercial, Management/Accounting) Capacity Building opportunities Linkages/Networking: Knowledge Capital National and International Liaison

Technology Incubation Programme Partnerships Federal Government; State & Local Government; Private Sector; Entrepreneurs; Research & Tertiary Institutions.

Challenges Poor funding for efficient running of the programme. Lack of adequate and appropriate infrastructure. Poor commitment by stakeholder. Lack of technology or know-how. Poor quality and quantity of output (manpower and R&D)

Challenges cont’d Weak economic growth with more than 70.8% living on less than $1 a day. Weak economic sector resulting from import dependent economy. Development primarily measured by physical structure and less on human capital. Linkages between Universities/Research Institutions and Industries are almost at zero level.

Challenges cont’d The Universities/research institutions do not involve the industrial sector in course design/industrial scheme, hence not providing sufficient linakge needed to fill the requiste work experience in the industrial sector. Absence of dedicated Technology and/or Innovation Fund to stimulate research activities including commercialization.