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Are natural resources a blessing or a curse for scientific and technical research in Africa?

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  • Atangana Ondoa, Henri
  • Nyebe Andela, Berthe

Abstract

The objective of this study is to assess the effect of natural resource rents on scientific and technical research in 51 African countries during the period 2000–2020. The results show that the natural resource curse hypothesis in the African research sector is valid. Natural resources that delay more scientific performance are minerals, forest and oil. For this reason, African countries should develop strategies that ensure the transfer of resources from the extractive sectors to the research sector. This transfer of resources requires the existence of good institutions, such as the definition, the protection of property rights and the regulation of the research sector. It also requires well-trained human capital. For instance, African countries need to equip their universities with appropriate infrastructure and define good laws that regulate the promotion of teachers.

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  • Atangana Ondoa, Henri & Nyebe Andela, Berthe, 2023. "Are natural resources a blessing or a curse for scientific and technical research in Africa?," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 85(PA).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jrpoli:v:85:y:2023:i:pa:s0301420723004701
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resourpol.2023.103759
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