Learning From Afar Gatekeepers Of Innovation In Ghanas Food Processing Clusters

Abstract

Development, prosperity and sustainable livelihoods in Africa requires knowledge generation, adaptation and transmission. This paper argues that technology entrepreneur gatekeepers can become potent conduits for the transmission of new knowledge and technology within clusters, particularly in developing economies. Yet, most research in the context of the Sub-Saharan African region overlook the role of entrepreneur gatekeepers working with the small formal and informal sector enterprises. This study therefore addresses this knowledge gap through a qualitative empirical study of two food processing clusters in Ghana. Gatekeepers are identified as those entrepreneurs who decodify the codified knowledge while also bringing in tacit knowledge that can be shared throughout a cluster. The informal nature of the African economy shapes these processes with key relationships being based on personal trust rather than written agreements, and institutional weaknesses limiting the rigorous implementation of intellectual property right law allowing micro enterprise artisan engineers to freely adapt technology.