Governance Models for University-Led Innovation Ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comprehensive Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31033/IJEMR/16.3.2026.1908Keywords:
University-Led Innovation Ecosystems, Sub-Saharan Africa, Technology Transfer, Triple Helix Model, Technology Transfer Offices, Entrepreneurial Universities, Innovation Governance, University-Industry Collaboration, Innovation Infrastructure, Systematic Literature ReviewAbstract
University-led innovation ecosystems have emerged as critical drivers of economic development, technological advancement, and entrepreneurial capacity building in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, the governance models, institutional frameworks, and technology transfer mechanisms that enable these ecosystems remain underexplored and inadequately documented. This comprehensive literature review synthesizes evidence from 60 peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2026 to examine governance frameworks, technology transfer mechanisms, university-industry linkages, and innovation infrastructure across SSA universities. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines, this systematic review identified 574 records from seven database searches across SciSpace, Google Scholar and PubMed. After removing 110 duplicates, 464 unique records underwent abstract screening using seven criteria with a threshold score of ≥4.0, resulting in 61 papers being assessed in full-text. Full-text screening with a threshold of ≥4.5 yielded 56 papers for qualitative synthesis, representing diverse geographic contexts, including South Africa (n=16), Nigeria (n=10), Kenya (n=7), Rwanda (n=3), Ghana (n=4), and other SSA countries. Key findings reveal that successful university-led innovation ecosystems in SSA are characterised by multi-stakeholder collaboration frameworks (particularly the Triple Helix model), formalised technology transfer structures including Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs), dedicated innovation infrastructure such as science parks and incubators, and adaptive governance mechanisms responsive to local contexts. However, persistent challenges include limited funding, weak intellectual property frameworks, inadequate policy support, insufficient industry engagement, and capacity constraints. Emerging opportunities include digital platforms, regional collaboration networks, and progressive policy reforms. This review identifies four dominant governance models: (1) Triple Helix framework emphasising university-industry-government collaboration; (2) Entrepreneurial university models with embedded commercialisation functions; (3) Technology Transfer Office-centred approaches; and (4) Hybrid governance structures combining multiple stakeholder engagement mechanisms. These findings provide actionable insights for policymakers, university administrators, and development practitioners seeking to strengthen innovation ecosystems in resource-constrained environments.
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