University–industry linkages and knowledge creation in Eastern and Southern Africa: some prospects and challenges

Abstract

The development of technical and technological capabilities through research and innovation has dominated the African development agenda since adoption of the Lagos Plan of Action, 1980 through to the current policies of the African Union, the African Development Bank, the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (Nepad), and the African regional economic communities. University-industry linkages are the best modality for achieving this goal. In Africa, however, these linkages are weak. Where they do exist, they are based on short-term, individualised projects. Industries lack a robust research and development base to absorb knowledge generated by research and innovation institutions. Governments do not provide adequate incentives for such linkages and universities lack the mandate, organisational structures, human resources management policies, modalities for promoting the protection of intellectual property rights generated by research and innovation activities, and the necessary incentive schemes to nurture, capture, and reward talent and innovation. In order to overcome these obstacles, creative and adaptive policies are required to strengthen these linkages through financial support to industries and universities, and incentives conducive to long-term co-operation between them.