PurposeWhile the role of the National Innovation System (NIS) in promoting economic growth is well recognized, there remains a significant knowledge gap concerning how interactions among actors and learning processes within these systems facilitate innovation commercialization in Uganda. This gap hinders the effective design and implementation of policies aimed at boosting innovation-driven development in emerging economies. This study aims to explore the linkages and interrelationships among NIS actors in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThis study used systematic document reviews and case-study techniques. A systematic review based on the SPAR-4-SLR protocol evaluated the literature on Uganda's NIS, including policy and strategy documents, development frameworks, journal articles and working papers. This dual approach allowed for an in-depth analysis of policy documents and empirical examples, revealing complex mechanisms within Uganda's NIS. A content analysis tool facilitated the reduction of qualitative data through codification, theme development and the reporting of results.FindingsThis study explored the relationships among NIS actors, offering insights into using Uganda's unique institutional and economic landscape for sustainable growth. It identifies key drivers, such as improved collaboration between the government, industry and academia and strategic policy measures in technology transfer and innovation funding, which are essential for revitalizing Uganda's innovation ecosystem.Research limitations/implicationsThis study presents a preliminary analysis of Uganda's NIS. Future studies should adopt a longitudinal approach to examine the evolution of NIS over time, including the impact of global technological advancements and policy changes on Uganda's innovation ecosystem. To elucidate the complex interrelationships within an NIS, subsequent research could employ network analysis or systems thinking methodology. These approaches would facilitate a more nuanced understanding of the interconnections and reciprocal influences among various NIS stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe inclusion of the innovation, technology development and transfer (ITDT) program in National Development Plan III demonstrates that National Innovation System (NIS) incorporation into the country's development process is possible through a combination of policy/regulatory, market/economic and technical/technological factors.Originality/valueThis study significantly advances the understanding of innovation systems by detailing the intricate network of relationships within Uganda's NIS. This highlights the unexplored dimensions of learning and cooperation and offers a thorough analysis of the factors that enable innovation, which are crucial for promoting innovation in a developing country.
