Ghana is fostering collaboration between research and business through a new workshop series. Organized by the Ministry for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation (MESTI) and the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), the program aims to bridge the gap between research and the marketplace.
This five-day workshop, held in Koforidua, equipped participants from research institutes with “matchmaking” skills to co-create businesses using innovative technologies.
This allows researchers to identify technologies that can empower existing businesses to flourish.
Kwamena Essielfie Quaison, Director in charge of Science Technology and Innovation (ST&I) at MESTI, highlighted the government’s focus on technology transfer and research commercialization.
He emphasized the importance of workshops like this in addressing the challenge of weak collaboration between research and industry.
Quaison aspires for Ghana’s research sector to mimic the success stories of developed nations, where research institutes play a pivotal role in economic development.
He cited collaborations like Kasapreko’s partnership with the Centre for Plant Medicine and Despite Company’s work with the Food Research Institute as prime examples.
The workshop represents the first step on a path toward an “Innovation Voucher Programme.” This program will provide entrepreneurs with vouchers to access technologies and expertise residing within universities and research institutions.
Furthermore, successful matches identified during the matchmaking process can lead to grants. These grants, potentially reaching $5,000 or more, will be awarded to SMEs and startups based on the market viability of their project proposals.
By facilitating collaboration between research and business, Ghana is taking a proactive step towards fostering a more innovative and successful economy.
