Innovation Performance Measurement in Developing Countries: A Case Study of Sub-Saharan Africa

This paper analyzes the actual problems of innovation performance measurement, especially; the development of methodological tools in the assessment of innovation performance in developing countries. The paper discusses and substantiates the author's position on informal sector innovation in developing economies, and its related concepts. Using regression and correlation analysis, an assessment of innovation performance of economies was carried out using innovation development variables. Although, we found a weak correlation between innovation performance and GDP per capita income, however, we think the nature of data used plays some importance in the outcome. It could be argued that the need for an integrated approach in undertaking research surveys for the above purpose. The paper highlights the criteria used in measuring innovation performance of countries. The authors emphasize on the need for a wide spectrum of approaches, not based on only the mainstream pre-requisites, but also taking into account subjective assessment of innovation in the informal sector of developing countries, which innovates to solve local problems. The methodological research tools include the reviewing of literature, theoretical approaches and various innovation concepts in assessing innovation performance, comparative analysis of the components of innovation. The paper discussed some prospects and importance of informal innovation to the Sub-Saharan economies, especially in the informal sector as a major source of employment and provides a larger proportion of the continent's GDP. This study provides a guideline in future research and innovation surveys for policymakers, economists and business people for better inclusive assessment of innovation performance of economies.