Issues and Challenges of Research and Experimental Development: Experience of Emerging Economy

Research and Experimental Development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new applications. Every scientific investigation is marred with challenges. Hence, this study examined R&D indicators and the expert experience of R&D survey in Nigeria. The study made use of primary data through questionnaire administration. A total of 75 Universities and 75 Research Institutes were surveyed, 49 universities and 51 research institutes returned their responses. Out of the number returned, 23 universities and 45 research institutes perform R&D. The analysis of data was done with the application of descriptive statistics. The results of the analysis showed the input in terms of human resources and collaboration within the key R&D institutions. It was revealed that there were more male R&D personnel than female in all categories. The M/F ratio was more than 3:1. A total of 633 publications were produced in the various fields of R&D during the reference period. About 42% was from Agricultural sciences, 20.5% from the natural sciences. Engineering accounted for 19.1% while medical sciences and social sciences accounted for 11.8% and 6.5% respectively. Collaborative R&D was carried out with other higher education institutions both in Nigeria and abroad. Only four universities were reported to perform collaborative R&D with foreign NGOs while 11 were reported to conduct collaborative R&D with public research institutes. Results also showed that poor record keeping and retrieval system among institutions and lack of understanding of key terminologies and concepts are the major challenges of R&D activities in country. The study concluded that more R&D personnel are needed in the country, most especially female researchers. It is also concluded that more collaborative R&D activities with local and foreign research institutes will assists in sustainable development.