INNOVATION POLICIES AND MECHANISMS USED FOR STIMULATING THE INNOVATIONS IN THE FIVE LEADING AFRICAN COUNTRIES

Innovations in the modern world are of great importance for everyone. They are the basis for high competitiveness of companies, economic growth of economies and prosperity of societies. The scientific objective of the article is to identify the various levers, models and specific incentives for innovation and research and development (R&D) in the five leading African countries in this area, according to the Global Innovation Index 2020. On this basis, conclusions and guidelines have been worked out, that are useful both from a scientific point of view and for improving the renewed innovation policy of Bulgaria. The article uses various research methods and approaches, including methods of analysis and synthesis, comparison and causation, as well as systematic and complex approaches.