This report was prepared under the UNCTAD Project on Science, Technology and Innovation Parks for Sustainable Development: Building expertise in policy and practice in selected Asian and African countries, financed by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Sub-Fund under the UN Peace and Development Fund.
STI parks are a specific organizational form of Science-Business Linkages (SBL) in addition to contract research, which may range from joint development, collaboration or external support in commercializing new technologies to consultancy services in testing, certification and problem-solving.
“… technology parks contribute to local, regional and national economic growth and development through diversification of the industrial base of the local economy, job creation, general and academic entrepreneurship development, skills development, income for the sponsoring university, business and personal incomes and taxes and social development.”
Lyken-Segosebe et al. (2020, p.4 )
The Government of Mozambique has long recognized the importance of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in driving economic development and reducing poverty, beginning with the approval of the Policy on Science and Technology and its Implementation Strategy in 2003.
Recognizing the importance of STI parks early on, the government established the Maluana Science and Technology Park, which became a cornerstone of Mozambique’s innovation landscape. The creation of the Science and Technology Parks National Corporation (ENPCT) in 2015 further solidified this commitment. As a state-owned agency, ENPCT is tasked with designing, constructing, operating and managing STI parks to drive scientific, technological and business innovation.
Assessment of the STI parks in Mozambique, which combined literature reviews, policy reports, stakeholder questionnaires and on-site interviews, has led to the following findings:
- The STI park ecosystem in Mozambique is a critical component of the country’s development strategy, given its role in fostering innovation and economic The establishment of the Maluana Science and Technology Park Is the first of its kind, focusing initially on ICT but also supporting various STI projects, including biotechnology and agriculture.
- Mozambique’s STI ecosystem shows strong potential for growth, driven by robust government support, a favourable legislative environment and the strategic location of Maluana Science and Technology Park. Emerging entrepreneurial activities in higher education institutions and opportunities for collaboration among universities, research institutions and the private sector further strengthen the ecosystem. Additionally, the diversity of sectors within STI parks and the presence of incubators at Higher Education Institutions provide a solid foundation for continued innovation and development.
- Despite the potential of STI parks, several systemic challenges impede their effectiveness in Mozambique:
- There is a lack of supportive conditions for STI development, reflected in low scores for innovation capability and STI adoption.
- The ecosystem is characterized by insufficient synergies between universities and industries, poor linkages with the private sector as well as underdeveloped scientific and technical services.
- There is a need for improved coordination among various actors involved in STI, which is essential for aligning efforts with government and industry.
In summary, the STI ecosystem in Mozambique is positioned as a vital component of the country’s national development strategy, focusing on fostering innovation through various STI parks, including the Maluana Science and Technology Park.
Despite the growth potential, the ecosystem encounters significant challenges, such as limited funding, inadequate infrastructure and a lack of stakeholder coordination.
