This archive report was first published on 5 September 2019.
AKINYEMI: Learn to question issues so you prosper ¶
Published on September 5, 2019, by Wale Akinyemi, Chief Transformation Officer at PowerTalks.
Research and development are crucial for driving innovation and economic growth in any nation. In fact, countries that prioritize research and development tend to be more progressive and lead in manufacturing. Conversely, nations that neglect research are more likely to become consumers of what other nations produce.
Amazon, the world's largest company, invested a staggering $22.6 billion in research and development last year, a figure that is not surprising given the company's rapid growth. Other notable companies that invested heavily in research and development include Alphabet (Google's parent company), Volkswagen, Samsung, and Microsoft.
However, the impact of research and development on a nation's economy is not limited to the companies that invest in it. A culture of questioning and critical thinking is essential for driving innovation and economic growth. In many African societies, children are discouraged from asking questions, and those who dare to question authority are punished severely. This mindset hinders the development of critical thinking and innovation.
For instance, in Israel, there are 8,250 researchers per million inhabitants, a figure that is significantly higher than in many African countries. The Jewish culture places a strong emphasis on questioning and critical thinking, which is reflected in the high number of researchers in the country.
As Wale Akinyemi notes, 'A people that do not research will have to live in a world created and run by those who research.' To drive innovation and economic growth, African countries need to invest in research and development and cultivate a culture of questioning and critical thinking.
