Policy Innovation: Panacea for Enhancing Workers' Productivity in Industrial Establishments in Taraba State, Nigeria

Abstract

Workers' productivity in industrial establishments remains a persistent challenge in Taraba State, Nigeria, compounded by weak policy frameworks and limited institutional capacity. This paper examines how policy innovation can enhance workers' productivity in industrial establishments in Taraba State, adopting a Systematic Literature Review methodology guided by PRISMA reporting standards. A total of 50,441 records were initially identified across Google Scholar, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, screened down to 20 peer-reviewed studies for qualitative synthesis. Drawing on Institutional Theory, the paper finds that labour policy innovation, technological policy frameworks, governance reforms, and economic development policies collectively and significantly drive workforce efficiency and industrial competitiveness. Evidence reviewed confirms that technology-driven firms record productivity gains of up to 25% above industry averages, while innovative workplace policies consistently improve both employee well-being and organisational output. This paper contributes to the literature by systematically applying global and African evidence to the underexplored context of Taraba State, Nigeria, offering an evidence-based framework for policy makers, industrial managers and institutional actors seeking to address persistent deficits in Nigeria's north-eastern industrial corridor. The paper recommends that the government develop innovative labour policies, industrial establishments adopt technology-driven strategies, institutional reforms strengthen governance and accountability, and policymakers design frameworks supporting sustainable industrial development.