Minding the Structural Transformation Gap in Africa: Moving from a Post-Colonial Educational System to an Adaptive Continent-Building Scientific Formal, Vocational Training, and Scientific Informal Systems

Abstract

Three years ago, the International Conference on the Economy of Innovation theme was Innovation Learning. Today, we are upgrading new pertinent drivers. We would suggest another, this time a generic theme for further exploration of the African economic transition and transformation, the Management of the Structural and Innovation Transformation on a Continent in Transition: The Mindset Role, focusing on what we believe the African and global transdisciplinary academic industrial community need to think more thoroughly about. As concrete education system functionalities and structure are prerequisites for inclusive economic change and as African education systems are under reconstruction, this paper is concerned with finding structural education system pathways that allow people living and working on the African continent to more proactively contribute to the inclusive economic transformation of their local and continental neighbourhood. This research question is embedded in the need to generate inclusive economic systems on the African continent at the truly indigenous level and mitigate the adaptive management dilemma it brings. Expanding on the previous ideas, it is crucial to consider the dynamic nature of innovation and its impact on economic growth. In today's rapidly changing world, the need for effective structural and innovation transformation management becomes even more pressing. The African continent, in particular, holds immense potential for economic development and progress. However, focusing on the role of mindset in driving innovation and economic transformation is essential to leveraging this potential. As we delve deeper into the topic, it becomes evident that the education systems play a pivotal role in shaping the economic landscape. With African education systems undergoing reconstruction, there is an opportunity to design inclusive pathways that empower individuals and communities to contribute to the economic transformation actively. We can create a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive change by emphasising concrete education system functionalities and structure. A holistic approach integrating local and continental perspectives is necessary to achieve indigenous economic systems. This requires engaging the African and global transdisciplinary academic industrial community in comprehensive discussions and collaborative efforts. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, we can collectively address the adaptive management dilemma that arises from managing economic transformation. The core question that drives our research is how to generate inclusive economic systems at an indigenous level. This goes beyond implementing top-down strategies and calls for a bottom-up approach that empowers individuals and communities to take ownership of their economic future. By understanding the unique challenges and opportunities on the African continent, we can develop solutions tailored to local contexts that are sustainable in the long run. In conclusion, the theme of the International Conference on the Economy of Innovation has evolved to encompass the Management of the Structural and Innovation Transformation on a Continent in Transition: The Mindset Role. This expansion reflects the need to explore the diverse dimensions of economic transformation, particularly in Africa.