Building an innovation system and indigenous knowledge in Namibia

Namibia, like many southern African countries, aims to become a knowledge-based society with a well-established innovation system (IS). Development based on knowledge and innovation reduces poverty and inequality, even if this causality is also contested. In this study, we analyzed the development of an IS in Namibia with a particular focus on indigenous knowledge (IK). Embedding IK in innovation policies is often seen as an opportunity to adjust the general concept of ISs to local contexts and practices and include bottom-up approaches in policies. In Namibia, the establishment of key institutions and strategies for an IS is supported by international development aid. In operational IS practices, the focus is on a science-technology-innovation mode of learning that requires high analytical knowledge and a well-functioning IS – which are rare in Namibia. The results of our study reveal that the doing-using-interacting mode of learning and IK create comparative advantages and provide ability for positive societal change in the local communities. However, despite high expectations, the practical outcomes of innovations based on IK are limited. Nevertheless, beyond its economic value, IK is important for developing countries’ innovation policy development, as it can facilitate the participatory processes of local communities in the establishment of ISs.