Analysis of Emerging Research Areas in Selected African Countries: A Case of Biotechnology-Applied Microbiology Discipline.

Mapping of research has become important across the world and any new technology requires a new institutional framework for mapping appropriate outcomes of research. It involves analyzing linkages between various actors, stakeholders, agencies, and institutions to map potential research domains. Over the years, Biotechnology Applied Microbiology has emerged as a niche area, and this sector is recognized as the key driver for economic growth and development. Biotechnology has emerged as a promising area of research in selected African countries but requires expanding its S&T base. To enhance S&T-based and capacity building Africa has initiated to expand its collaborative efforts with other countries including Europe, Asia, the US, the Middle East, and Africa with promising results in different areas like nanotechnology, biotechnology, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, etc. Biotechnology is one of the emerging areas and African biotechnology has the potential to transform the economy. Therefore, this paper presents an analysis of the emerging pattern of research areas in selected African countries and in particular biotechnology research activities in Africa. More than 56000 research articles were analyzed, using SPSS software, indicates that R&D collaboration and national as well as international networks could be helpful in enhancing publication output and research competency in the field of biotechnology research in Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]