Innovation Unleashed: Crafting Nigeria’s Blueprint for Hub Expansion I

Global innovation hubs are defined as cities or metropolitan areas that can lead the flow of global innovation elements and influence the efficiency of resource allocation, drawing on their unique advantages in science and technology innovation. In technological and industrial competitions, they emerge as global cities that integrate research innovation, an innovation economy and a supportive ecosystem for innovation

Innovation hubs, as the key nodes in the global innovation network, have emerged as centres of scientific activity and pivots of innovation economy. Innovation hubs are geographic areas that bring together R&D institutions (such as tech-enabled corporations, universities, and medical facilities), as well as venture capital, incubators, and start-ups.

Our preliminary analysis of the network of innovation hubs shows that 68 hubs are actively contributing to the growth of technology-driven entrepreneurship and innovation. These hubs offer unique value propositions that align with the playbook for fostering innovation across the country. Some of these hubs specialize in Innovation Start-up Incubation, providing entrepreneurs with the critical support needed to transform their ideas into tangible products and businesses. They offer technology transfer, skill development, and even prototype fabrication services. This aligns perfectly with the playbook’s emphasis on creating a supportive environment for startups. Others focus on talent development and outsourcing, recognizing the importance of nurturing a skilled workforce. These hubs offer training programmes and connect skilled individuals with innovative businesses, fostering the development of a tech-savvy workforce as outlined in the playbook.

Several hubs are dedicated to co-working and business services, providing entrepreneurs with cost-effective workspaces and support services. They create an environment conducive to collaboration and resource sharing, aligning with the playbook’s goal of building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. Some hubs have a strong social impact focus, aiming to address pressing societal challenges through innovation. They work in areas such as health, education, and governance, and they often partner with government initiatives to find tech-driven solutions, in line with the playbook’s objectives.

There are also hubs that prioritize support for startups and access to networks, helping early-stage companies grow by connecting them with networks and markets. They actively engage with government policies and provide vital support to startups, supporting the playbook’s goal of nurturing entrepreneurship. Policy advocacy and networking hubs, like the Innovation Support Network, play a crucial role in shaping policies that promote hub sustainability and growth. They connect entrepreneurs with policymakers and development partners, strengthening the innovation ecosystem.

Regional development hubs in cities like Ilorin and Kaduna aim to spread technology adoption beyond major urban centers, contributing to regional economic growth. This regional focus resonates with the playbook’s emphasis on promoting innovation outside of traditional tech hubs. Other hubs, such as the Humanitarian and Social Innovation centers, focus on tackling pressing societal issues. They collaborate with government agencies to find innovative solutions, aligning with the playbook’s goal of using technology for societal benefit.

Global tech network and funding hubs, like MEST Africa, bridge Nigerian startups with international resources and markets, fostering global competitiveness—a key aspect of the playbook’s vision. Hubs that offer support for early-stage startups are crucial for the growth of innovative businesses. They provide mentorship and incubation services, supporting the playbook’s aim of nurturing a thriving startup ecosystem.

Digital skill development hubs, such as KAD ICT Hub, address the digital skills gap by offering training and education programs. They align with the playbook’s goal of equipping the workforce with essential digital skills. Empowerment and inclusivity hubs like Enable Africa Hub focus on providing opportunities for marginalized communities. They contribute to the playbook’s vision of making technological education accessible to all. Youth-focused hubs, like the one in Jos, aim to empower young entrepreneurs and reduce unemployment by incubating and accelerating ideas. This supports the playbook’s objective of fostering entrepreneurship from an early stage. There are other inn0vation companies like Opolo Global Innovation whose aim is to foster innovation in both urban and rural communities as well as the universities. The Opolo Global example is a good case of using the quadruple helix approach to foster adoption of technologies, skill up youths, help them to commercialize their skills. For companies like Opolo Global, the mission does not stop there but extends to commercialization of research on university campuses. The Co-Creation Hub in Lagos also belongs to the caliber fostering innovation and digital technologies across the continent of Africa.

Apart from the nature of the hubs, here are some other insights derived from the preliminary data:

The Geographical Distribution of Innovation Hubs

Our data reveals that innovation hubs are not evenly distributed across Nigeria. Lagos, the commercial capital, appears to have the highest concentration of innovation hubs, particularly in areas like Yaba, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and other parts of the city. The reason for this is not far-fetched. As the commercial capital of Nigeria, Lagos has a concentration of corporate organizations who are interested in innovation hubs. Abuja, the federal capital, also has a significant presence. This is due to the presence of policy makers and institutions that drive innovation and digital economy in the country. Nevertheless, this concentration implies that these regions are more attractive to innovation and technology-driven activities.

Establishment of innovation hubs are highly urban-centered

It is noticeable that most innovation hubs are located in urban centers, such as Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Benin, and others. This is likely because urban areas tend to have better infrastructure, access to talent, and a more conducive environment for innovation and technology development. It is also explainable because most internet infrastructures also work well in the urban centres as against the rural areas. This bias leaves a gap. Like most other issues of development, rural areas become underserved in the innovation sector.

Regional variation in the distribution of innovation hubs 

The data shows some regional variation with innovation hubs in states like Akwa Ibom, Kwara, Adamawa, and others. This suggests that innovation is not limited to major cities and regions (South West and North Central) but is spreading to other regions, albeit at a slower pace. Encouraging innovation in these regions can help promote economic growth and reduce regional disparities. Identifying regions with a lower concentration of innovation hubs, such as some northern states, provides an opportunity for targeted interventions and collaborations between government, private sector players, and local communities to stimulate innovation and entrepreneurship.

Government Investment; Private Sector Engagement

The presence of multiple innovation hubs in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Lagos is an indication of two indices. While the location in Abuja indicates government interest and investment in fostering innovation, the abundant presence of hubs in Lagos is a pointer to the involvement of the private sector in the innovation ecosystem. This is a positive sign, as government support can play a crucial role in the growth of the technology ecosystem. In the same vein, the presence of private sector underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation. This suggests a high potential for collaboration of both the private players and the public agency.