Technological Capability in Metal Fabricating Firms in Southwestern Nigeria

Victor Oluwasina Sobanke, Matthew Olugbega Ilori, Stephen Akinade Adegbite

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.
National Centre for Technology Management, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

DOI: 10.4236/ajibm.2012.24023                

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.

Keywords

Technological Capability; Industrialization; Knowledge and Skills; Metal Fabricating Firms; Small and Medium Enterprises

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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