Evaluating the efficiency of regional innovation systems: a case study of innovative countries in transition

This research aims to assess the regional innovation system (RIS) efficiency for regions in transition, i.e., the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa. Dynamic network data envelopment analysis (DNDEA) model is used to measure efficiency of set of decision-making units (DMUs). The study assessed the RIS performance of the four regions with reference to the top ten innovative countries based on the GII 2021 report. The variables used to measure efficiency include R&D expenditure, researcher, FDI, patent origin, PCT patent applications, journals articles, citable documents H-index, high-tech exports, and ICT. Secondary data were collected from the Global Innovation Index (GII) Report over period 2014-2021. The research identified the most innovative regions and showed that Central Asia is ranked as the first innovative region. Africa was ranked as moderate in terms of RIS efficiency. In stage three, it is observed that the GCC, Eastern Europe and Africa were less efficient compared to Central Asia. This research recommends investing in inputs devoted to innovation such as R&D expenditure and human capital to develop the innovation capacity of countries.