Made in Africa: A Discussion on the Role of Law in Absorptive Capacity in African Software Industries

ISBN-10: 9462401098
ISBN-13: 9789462401099
Series: Made in Africa
Category: Absorptive capacity (Economics)
Pages: 366
Language: English
Published: 2014-06-13
Publisher: Wolf Legal Publications
Author: Hanna Weijers

Description

An information and communication technology (ICT) revolution is underway in Africa. New possibilities have been created by the landing of international broadband sea cables on African shores and by the rapid spread of mobile telephony throughout the continent. As a result, there are many startup ICT businesses trying to create new and inventive products and services, based upon internationally available technology, yet tailored to African markets and needs. However, little empirical research has been done regarding the role that law plays in the absorption of technological knowledge in this particular sector and context. In this book, empirical data - from case studies in Zambia, Kenya, and Ghana - is compared to what has been assumed in literature to be the role of law in its absorptive capacity. The study's results provide insight into the actual role that law has played for startup ICT businesses, which may have significant policy implications for national governments and regulators in developing countries that seek to promote their ICT sector.