Technological Capability in Metal Fabricating Firms in Southwestern Nigeria
Affiliation(s)
National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Centre for Industrial Research and Development, Obafemi Awo- lowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Centre for Industrial Research and Development, Obafemi Awo- lowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.
ABSTRACT
The study assessed the technological capability in the metal fabricating firms in southwestern Nigeria. A technology capability index (TCI) was used in assessing 200 randomly sampled firms. Data for the study was analyzed by using descriptive analysis. The results showed a variation in the TCI scores of firms with micro, small and medium fabricating firms scoring an average of 0.82, 1.10 and 1.54 respectively. Firms which reported that process innovation were incremental are 24.8%; new to the firm (100.0%) and creative (3.0%). Similarly, product innovation variables showed that 85.5% were incremental; imitation (95.5%) and creativity (50.4%). The study suggests the need for policy intervenetion to enhance the knowledge and skills of the operators.
The study assessed the technological capability in the metal fabricating firms in southwestern Nigeria. A technology capability index (TCI) was used in assessing 200 randomly sampled firms. Data for the study was analyzed by using descriptive analysis. The results showed a variation in the TCI scores of firms with micro, small and medium fabricating firms scoring an average of 0.82, 1.10 and 1.54 respectively. Firms which reported that process innovation were incremental are 24.8%; new to the firm (100.0%) and creative (3.0%). Similarly, product innovation variables showed that 85.5% were incremental; imitation (95.5%) and creativity (50.4%). The study suggests the need for policy intervenetion to enhance the knowledge and skills of the operators.
Cite this paper
V. Oluwasina Sobanke, M. Olugbega Ilori and S. Akinade Adegbite, "Technological Capability in Metal Fabricating Firms in Southwestern Nigeria," American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, Vol. 2 No. 4, 2012, pp. 176-183. doi: 10.4236/ajibm.2012.24023.
V. Oluwasina Sobanke, M. Olugbega Ilori and S. Akinade Adegbite, "Technological Capability in Metal Fabricating Firms in Southwestern Nigeria," American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, Vol. 2 No. 4, 2012, pp. 176-183. doi: 10.4236/ajibm.2012.24023.
References
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Lall, “Technological Capabilities and Industrialisation,” World Development, Vol. 20, No. 2, 1992, pp. 165-186. doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(92)90097-F [6] E. Dike, “Vision 2020: Where is the Technological Capability?” Nigerian Village Square, January, 2009. http://www.nigeriavillagesquare.com/articles/guest-articles/vision-2020-where-is-the-technological-capability.html [7] T. Biggs, M. Shah, and P. Srivastava, “Technological Capabilities and Learning in Africa Enterprises,” World Bank Technical Paper, (288), 1999, Washington, DC. [8] I. E. S. Amdi, “Institutions Supporting Technical Change in Nigeria: The Role of Industrial Development Centres,” 1995. http://web.idrc.ca/en/ev-30805-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html [9] D. Pierre, H. Staut, and R. Bernard, “Strategic Technology Management: Integrating Product Technology into Global Business Strategies for the 1990s,” John Wiley and Sons, USA, 1992. [10] G. Laditan, “Upgrading Technologies in the Small Scale Metal Working Industry in Nigeria: A Case Study of Oyo and Osun States,” Nigeria Institute of Social and Economic Research Monograph, Ibadan, 1997, No. 13 [11] I. Abereijo, “Evaluation of Capabilities of Small and Medium Industrial Enterprises for Acquisition of New Technologies in Southwest Nigeria,” M.Sc. Thesis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 2006. [12] A. Egbetokun, W. Siyanbola, and A. Adeniyi, “Assessment of Innovation Capability in the Cable and Wire Manufacturing Industry in Nigeria: A Case Study Approach,” 2007. http://www.merit.unu.edu/MEIDE/papers/2007/EGBETOKUN_SIYANBOLA_ADENIYI_Assessment%20of%20innotion%20capability...cable%20&%20wire%20manufacturing%20industry.pdf [13] S. Oke, “An Evaluation of the National Innovation System and Technological Capability Building in the Manufacturing Sector,” M.Sc. Thesis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 2005. [14] F. Garcia-Muina, and J. Navas-Lopez, “Explaining and Measuring Success in New Business: The Effect of Technological Capabilities on Firm Results,” Technovation, Vol. 27, 2007, pp. 30-46. doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2006.04.004 [15] C. Marjolein, and H. Romijn, “Technological Learning in Small Enterprise Clusters: Conceptual Framework and Policy Implications,” In S. Mani, and H. Romijn, Eds., Innovation, Learning and Technological Dynamism of Developing Countries, UNU Press, Tokyo and New York, 2004, pp. 135-157. [16] M. Gillian, “Technological Learning: A Strategic Imperative for Firms in Developing World,” Edward Elgar Publishing Limited, UK, 2004. [17] H. Romijn, and M. Albaladejo, “Determinants of Innovation Capability in Small Electronics and Software Firms in Southeast England,” Research Policy, Vol. 31, 2002, pp. 1053-1067. doi.org/10.1016/S0048-7333(01)00176-7 [18] A. Egbetokun, “Assessment of Innovation Capability in the Cable and Wire Manufacturing Industry in Nigeria: A Case Study Approach,” M.Sc. Thesis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 2009. [19] H. Armbruster, A. Bikfalvi, S. Kinkel, G. and Lay, “Organisational Innovation: The Challenge of Measuring Nontechnical Innovation in Large Scale Surveys,” Technovation, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2008, pp. 644-657. doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2008.03.003 [20] R. Garcia, and R. Calantone, “A Critical look at Technological Innovation Typology and Innovativeness Terminology: A Literature Review, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Vol. 19, No. 2, 2002, pp. 110-132. doi.org/10.1016/S0737-6782(01)00132-1 [21] L. Kim, “Imitation to Innovation: The Dynamics of Korea’s Technological Learning,” Harvard Business School Press, USA, 1997. [22] O. Olamade, “Technological Capabilities in the Nigerian Telecommunication Industry,” M.Sc. Thesis, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, 2001 [23] S. Massa, and S. Testa, “Innovation and SMES: Misaligned Perspectives and Goals among Entrepreneurs, Academics and Policy Makers,” Technovation, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2008, pp. 393-407. doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2008.01.002 [24] N. Amara, R. Landry, N. Becheikh, and M. Ouiment, “Learning and Novelty of Innovation in Established Manufacturing SMEs,” Technovation, Vol. 28, No. 7, 2008, pp. 450-463. doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2008.02.001 [25] G. Wignaraja, “Firm Size, Technological Capabilities and Market-oriented Policies in Mauritius. Discussion papers series of the United Nations University, Institute for New Technologies, UNU/INTECH, #2001-1. [26] M. Ilori, “From Science to Technology and Innovation Management,” Obafemi Awolowo University Inaugural Lecture Series 191, Obafemi Awolowo University Press Limited. Ile-Ife, 2006. [27] S. Sanni, and M. Ilori, “Strategic Management of Technology: Readings in Technology Management. National Centre for Technology Management Monograph, Ile-Ife, No. 1, 1999, pp. 43-56.