The Building Stronger Universities (BSU) III Project, in collaboration with the Centre for Business Development (CBD) of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, organised an Academia-Industry and Research Innovation Conference. The Conference was held at the Amonoo-Neizer Conference Centre on 12th September 2023.
Speaking on the aim of the Conference, the Coordinator for the BSU III, Professor Robert C. Abaidoo, stated that the Conference aims to foster a dynamic exchange of knowledge and ideas between academics and industry players while showcasing the University’s innovative research outputs with the potential for collaboration and commercialisation.
Professor Aboagye-Menyah, representing the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson emphasised that the theme, ‘Innovations and Research Commercialisation through Partnerships’ is a clarion call for synergy towards a future that promises unparalleled growth, not just for academia or industry but for the betterment of society. According to him, universities are teemed with untapped ideas and technologies but lack the support of industries, so these innovations remain dormant. Equally, industries are grappling with challenges of changing customer demand and technological advancements which calls for the knowledge and research of academia to realise their full potential. ‘It is undeniably true that collaborative ventures are not just opportunities for commercial success, but are the catalysts to drive societal advancement,’ he stressed.
Professor Dadson Awunyo-Vitor, the Head of the Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness and Extension, delivered a keynote address on ‘Sustainable Pathways for Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration and Research Commercialisation.’ In his presentation, he outlined various measures to ensure sustainable academia-industry collaboration and commercialisation. These include the need to make industry collaboration a strategic priority and share with the entire University, design incentives for staff and provide resources to manage a cultural shift that prioritises engaging industry for mutual benefits and invite industry researchers to teach and deliver seminars.
Mr. Stephen Acheampong, the Regional Chairman of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce, and Industry (GNCCI) argued that in an era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), Ghanaian universities must closely engage with businesses/industry to maintain their relevance. He stressed that collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for successful innovation and research commercialisation. He proposed that universities should follow a research value chain, encompassing research, prototyping, manufacturing, marketing, wholesaling, retailing, and consumption, to ensure practical applications of research.
In a related development, a dialogue was held among industry players and academia. Mr. Mamuda Osman, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ministry of Trade and Industries, Ghana, addressed the pressing issue of Ghanaian companies collapsing due to inadequate research. He highlighted the importance of localising research efforts to meet Ghana's needs, as many businesses relies on foreign research findings, potentially undermining African industries. To bridge the academia-industry gap, Mr. Osman proposed a platform for regular meetings where both parties can exchange ideas and stressed the need to make academic research findings accessible to the industry.
Mr. Kwasi Nyamekye, from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), echoed concerns about the disconnect between academia and industry. He advocated for industry-academia partnerships, urging academia to align their research with industry needs.
Professor James Osei Mensah, an Associate Professor of Agribusiness Management at the Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness & Extension entreated industrial partners to help in the training of graduates from universities by accepting students for internships which he believes will in turn benefit both parties.
The event showcased innovative research outputs with commercial potentials, including plastic waste-based petrol, shea butter products, agricultural waste-derived charcoal, yam and sweet potato into flour, and a solar-powered cold storage technology extending crop shelf life from five (5) to twenty-one (21) days.