Barriers to technological innovation of SMEs in Cameroon

Abstract

Cameroon is amongst the low- and middle-income economies which have currently acknowledged the advantages of technological innovation although technological transfer (TT) is disrupted by many barriers. This research illustrates the main obstacles to technological innovation and transfer (such as product and process innovation) in Cameroon utilising Technology Innovation theory and Technology Transfer paradigm (TT) and other related literature.

Semi-structured interviews and questionnaires were completed by Cameroonian entrepreneurs of SMEs and the data has been analyzed using the content analysis method. The results show that a shortage in energy supply, unstable internet connections with low bandwidth are one of the main hindrances of plaquing technological innovations of SMEs. In addition, understanding the impact of government bottlenecks such as the institutions and policies on technological innovation. Other, minor factors such as the training mechanism in Cameroon and technical know-how knowledge were also cited by entrepreneurs as a hindrance to innovation.

This study will be of interest to several groups in Cameroon (such as entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors) through being a unique paper to address technological innovation. Its impact on the economy of the country, hindrances, and ways to evade them. Governments investing in tech innovation will get the country out of the lagging state of technology.