Perceptions of innovation system stakeholders towards grassroots innovators in Tanzania
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Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
African Journal of Social Issues
Abstract
This study explores the perceptions of various stakeholders toward grassroots innovators in
Tanzania and how these views shape the innovation ecosystem. Stakeholders, including
government agencies, private sector actors, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and
international donors, influence the grassroots innovation journey through their support, policies,
and funding mechanisms. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 35 grassroots
innovators through semi-structured questionnaire, key informant interviews, and observations.
Innovators were selected from the COSTECH database, Mashindano ya Kitaifa ya Sayansi,
Teknolojia na Ubunifu (MAKISATU) records, and participants in the Dar es Salaam International
Trade Fair Exhibition (SABASABA). The findings indicate that while institutions such as the
Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MOEST) and COSTECH are seen as crucial for
policy support, bureaucratic delays and budget constraints limit their effectiveness. Meanwhile,
organizations such as the Vocational Education and Training Authority (VETA), Small Industries
Development Organization (SIDO), National Institute of Transport (NIT), and Dar es Salaam
Institute of Technology (DIT) are perceived as more accessible and hands-on in supporting
grassroots innovators. However, challenges persist in aligning private sector and international
donor support with grassroots needs due to issues of trust and mismatched priorities. The study
underscores the importance of addressing these perceptions to enhance stakeholder engagement,
improve resource distribution and foster a more inclusive innovation ecosystem
Description
Journal article
Keywords
Grassroots Innovation, Stakeholders Perceptions, Innovation Support, Innovation Ecosystem, Tanzania