The Use of Key Activities of National Innovation Systems (NIS) in Promoting Innovation Capability in Ghana: A Conceptual Framework

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of key activities of National Innovation System (NIS) in promoting innovation capability of firms. It addresses what intuitional actors: Government, Private sector and Research institutions can do to generate NIS key activities that support Innovation capability. Compared to NIS literature, the use of key activities in innovation capability is unexplored. The use of key activities is assessed with special emphasis on innovation capability of firms. Exploratory research is used with the objective of examining insights from extant literature on innovation management, NIS and innovation capability of firms in LDCs. Key activities of NIS are identified and the positive impact of key activities on innovation capability disclosed.This study depicts that innovation capabilities may be influenced by key activities within NIS, supported by institutional actors such Government, Universities/Research Institutions and the Private sector. It also shows that innovation capabilities may lead to firm competitiveness. Innovation capability can be source of competitive advantage Furthermore, as firms exist in ever changing market environment, the best performing firms are classified as innovative and continually develop capabilities to innovate.

Keywords: Innovation capabilities, NIS, firm, LDCs, Ghana