Research ArticleOpen AccessGoogle Scholar indexed
Technological Capability in Metal Fabricating Firms in Southwestern 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
- 1 National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- 2 African Institute for Science Policy and Innovation, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
- 3 Centre for Industrial Research and Development, Obafemi Awo- lowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management·Volume 02 (2012)·Pages 176–183·Published 31 October 2012·DOI10.4236/ajibm.2012.24023
Copy link · social · email
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.
KeywordsTechnological CapabilityIndustrializationKnowledge and SkillsMetal Fabricating FirmsSmall and Medium Enterprises
- T. Khalil, “Competitiveness,” In T. Khalil, Ed., Management of Technology: The Key to Competitiveness and Wealth Creation, Thomas Casson, USA, 2000, pp. 153-191.
- F. Ogbimi, “Solution to Mass Unemployment in Nigeria,” In F. Ogbimi, Series Ed., Achieving Rapid Industrialisation and Democratisation in Nigeria, Vol. 1. 3rd Edition, Obafemi Awolowo University Press, Ile-Ife, 2007.
- A. Hoogvelt, “Industry and trade in a global economy with special reference to Sub-Saharan Africa,” United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, Industrial Policies and Research, 2000. http://www.unido.org/fileadmin/user_media/Publications/Pub_free/Industry_and_trade_in_a_global_economy_with_special_reference_to_subSaharan_Africa.pdf
- J. Jin, and M. Von Zedtwitz, “Technological Capability Development in China’s Mobile Phone Industry,” Technovation, Vol. 28, No. 6, 2008, pp. 327-334. doi.org/10.1016/j.technovation.2007.06.003
- S. Lall, “Technological Capabilities and Industrialisation,” World Development, Vol. 20, No. 2, 1992, pp. 165-186. doi.org/10.1016/0305-750X(92)90097-F
- 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
- T. Biggs, M. Shah, and P. Srivastava, “Technological Capabilities and Learning in Africa Enterprises,” World Bank Technical Paper, (288), 1999, Washington, DC.
- 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
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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