Can university-industry-government collaborations drive a 3-D printing revolution in Africa? A triple helix model of technological leapfrogging in additive manufacturing

Date

2022-03-11

Advisors

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

ISSN

0160-791X

Volume Title

Publisher

Elsevier

Type

Article

Peer reviewed

Yes

Abstract

The protracted disruption of Covid-19 pandemic on global supply chains has renewed calls for a new model of manufacturing that removes the need for centralised high-volume production and large inventory stocking. Drawing ideas from the Triple Helix model of university-industry-government innovation, this paper analyses the prospects for a 3D manufacturing revolution in Africa, a continent which was disproportionately affected in the rounds of international border restrictions imposed in response to the Omicron variant. Taking a conceptual approach supported with case illustrations, the paper reviews the evolution of 3D printing technologies, the disruptive impact they have had on the traditional supply chain and the global expansion of the 3D printing market. Highlighting the favourable conditions for technological leapfrogging within the African context, the paper proposes a new integrative framework that explains how the emergence of new hybrid organisations from the Triple Helix can drive a promising manufacturing future for the continent -with small and medium enterprises playing a key role

Description

The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link. open access article

Keywords

Additive manufacturing, Triple helix, 3D printing, Technological leapfrogging, Supply chains, Africa

Citation

Kolade, Oluwaseun; Adegbile, Abiodun; Sarpong, David (2022).Can university-industry-government collaboration drive a 3-D printing revolution in Africa? A triple helix model of technological leapfrogging in additive manufacturing. Technology in Society, 101960

Rights

Research Institute