Research Typology and Knowledge Needs for Development in Africa

International audience The management of scientific activities efficiently with the aim of development requires that their objectives, methods, roles and their links are clarified. In addition to the three usual research types - basic research, applied research and experimental development, the targeted societal research for decision-making is presented with its specificities. The relevant contrast appears to be less between basic research and experimental development, or between government-driven and society-driven research, than between market-driven research and public-service research. The open knowledge plays here a fundamental role in the evolution of the societies and in their development. The knowledge economy promotes useful research with a technological purpose, which makes very marginal the knowledge production and all what could allow the citizens as the societies to revitalise and redefine themselves, and to answer the present challenges. Eventually, we propose some tracks to strengthen research-developing capabilities in Africa.