The Role of Science Technology and Innovation in Socio-economic Development of Ghana-Linking Research to the private sector at the CSIR-Technology Transfer and Development Centre (TDTC)

2015

English

This paper addresses the issue of linkingResearch and Development (R&D) to Private Sector's technological needs for business growth and socioeconomic development of the Ghanaian economy. Using the concept of transitioning technologies and services from the research laboratories to the marketplace, the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Technology Development and Transfer Centre (CSIR-TDTC) has been instituted to strengthen the linkage between Research and the Private Sector. The CSIR-TDTC intervention strategies involve capacity building of researchers to effectively develop and transfer the much needed technologies for private sector growth, creation of platforms for research-industry interactions and development of effective research-industry partnerships among others. Numerous challenges constraining technology transfer to the private sector in Ghanaare identified. These challenges are categorized as structural and funding challenges, inefficiencies in the research management systems, challenges on the part of the research scientists as well as challenges relating to policy issues that need to be addressed by the government. Despite these challenges, this paper concludes that industry is looking for much riper technological solutions and therefore research scientists should embark on initiatives to bring promising technologies and innovations to the point that they could be considered for buy-in by industry.

Quaye, W.; Essegbey, G.; Decker, E.; Onumah, J.