Review of national science, technology, and innovation landscape for translation of university research and innovation into enterprises

This study aimed at supporting the Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) in the review of national science, technology, and innovation landscapes for translation of university research and innovation into sustainable enterprises. It specifically reviewed the mechanisms, policies, and processes which influence the translation of research products into enterprises or strengthen existing enterprises at national level in Cameroon, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda. Data were gathered through a scoping study based on grey literature and complemented by interviews with key informants. Findings included the enablers of and barriers to the research translation process and relevant business cases that emerged from academic research outputs. These informed the study’s conclusions and practical recommendations at both national and HEIs level on the procedures for the universities to translate research products into sustainable enterprises that can help address unemployment among young people and women, and support entrepreneurship in agrifood systems in Africa. Further country-specific review is needed to provide more business cases for a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the mechanisms, policies, and processes in support of or against the translation of research outputs in African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).

Despite efforts made by governments, through national policies and initiatives, and by universities, through several initiatives, it worth noting that there are still many challenges hindering the process of translating research outputs into business opportunities. Overall, beyond the lack of funding, which a cross-cutting issue, the scoping study, the key informants’ interviews, the case studies and the country webinars converge around identified six main issues where practical recommendations are provided: 

− Fragmented national support environment: Fostering a legal and institutional environment conducive to research, innovation and entrepreneurship 

− Limited research and innovation capacity: Investing in research and innovation 

− Lack of entrepreneurial culture/mindset: Integrating entrepreneurship into curricula 

− Limited capacities for students to develop and implement their business ideas and plans: Supporting students and researchers in developing and implementing their business ideas and plans. 

− Limited use of intellectual property (IP): Leveraging IP for inventions − Weak collaboration between HEIs and the private sector: Harnessing collaboration between HEIs and the private sector.