Integrating research innovation and technology into the university

Integrating research, innovation and technology into the university education for national development. by Prof Lucy W. Irungu Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Production & Extension) University of Nairobi Machakos University College 15 -16 September, 2016 University of Nairobi 1 http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Presentation Outline v. Background v. Evolution of the role of universities v. The role of universities in national development v. Integrating research and innovation in university education v. Conclusion University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 2 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Background - I v“Education is the most powerful weapon in alleviating poverty, elevating economic growth, producing skilled human resource, creating a healthy enlightened social environment and creating self sufficient nations”. (Malik , 2014) v. Universities have had a paradigm shift from traditional teaching and learning to building communities, economies and leadership, through imparting knowledge and undertaking cutting edge research aimed at addressing societal challenges. University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 3 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Background - II v. As such, universities now deliberately strive to becoming intellectually agile, innovative and relevant to societal needs v. The old formulas of ivory towers are now being discarded and universities are opening up to work with governments/development agencies, industries and communities v. Therefore, quality education should help lay a solid foundation for national development through research, innovation and engagement with communities/stakeholders University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 4 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Evolution of the role of universities (Adapted from Youtie and Shapira, 2008) Traditional university: The 19 th century university: The 21 st century/modern university: Role: Accumulators of Knowledge Role: Knowledge factory Role: Knowledge-Hubs Mission: -Conducting research -Training in Technical disciplines Mission: -Animate indigenous devt. , new capabilities & innovation Economic Context: Industrial mass production Supplier of inputs (students and research funding) and outputs (employees and research papers) Economic context: -Actively seeks to foster interactions -Links research with appls/commercialization -Catalyzes social and econ. devt Economic context: -Elitist -Operates separate from society University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 5 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

The role of modern universities in national development … What therefore is the role of the modern university in national development? 1. Generation and creation of Knowledge 2. Capacity building by imparting the knowledge 3. Providing solutions to societal problems through research, innovation and technology transfer 4. Engaging with the community with new relevant knowledge/technology, and 5. Driving social cohesion University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 6 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Integrating research and innovation To integrate Research and Innovation to foster national development, universities must adopt best practices in the following areas; 1. Academic programmes 2. Candidature 3. Research 4. Innovation and IP rights 5. Dissemination and engagement 6. Integrity 7. Enabling environment/infrastructure 8. Funding to support research and innovation University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 7 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Academic Programmes Develop and implement sound programmes that are; v Based on market demand v In keeping with technological advancement for teaching and learning, and dissemination v Developed in collaboration with relevant external collaborators and industry v Delivered using appropriate pedagogical skills and ICT v Appropriately benchmarked with successful institutions v Effectively monitored for relevance v Effectively measured for quality University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 8 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Candidature Have in place; v. A selection and admission structure that attracts high caliber of students v. A governance structure that supports quality training v. A training and examination process that enables students to adopt best practices v. A sound student support and management structure v. Structure the supports responsible conduct of research v. A culture of academic integrity University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 9 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Research v Involve stakeholders from conceptualization/planning stage of research with potential to impact on the society v Ethical conduct of research, including observing confidentiality of information relating to participants, and other legal requirements v Ethical approvals, and adherence to relevant regulatory processes v Clear and accurate records of procedures followed, approvals granted, etc (research notebook)Data management v Effective management and access to research facilities v Grant management v Publication practice University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 10 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Innovation and IP rights The modern university encourages transformative and innovative research and training through; v. IP rights protection framework and regime effectively in place v. An enabling environment for Commercialization of innovations v. An enabling environment for technology and enterprise Incubation v. Procedure of reviewing work for potential IP prior to publication v. Ensure awareness of these procedures and framework University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 11 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Dissemination/Openness The modern university must be committed to; v Providing access to information and knowledge to the public, including relevant research data v Stimulating growth of innovation and creation, and application of new knowledge v Encouraging openness in sharing, reporting and discussing research outputs with stakeholders and the various publics v Promoting high standard of management of research outputs to enhance impact of research on society v Establishing mechanisms and structures that encourage openness and collaboration v Keeping any delay of publications due to IP rights protection at minimum University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 12 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Integrity To integrate research and innovation the modern university must; v Ensure pursuit of scholarly activity in an open, honest and responsible manner v Provide research and learning environment that fosters qualities of independent scholarly judgment, critical judgment, academic integrity and ethical sensitivity v Thus intellectual contribution of others must be properly acknowledged v Establish a framework for deterring plagiarism, falsification of results and conflict of interest University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 13 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Conclusion Therefore to integrate research, innovation and technology into university training, there must be; v. A good education system v. Strong market driven programmes v. Conducive and interactive environment between universities, industry and policymakers that can catalyze social and economic devt. (support appl. & commercialization) v. Adequate capital/financial investment to support research and innovation v. A sound policy framework that supports the creation, acquisition and deployment of knowledge University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 14 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke

Thank you Contact: Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research Production and Extension) Central Administration Block, 3 rd Floor Room 302 Tel: 318262 Ext 28711 or 2315416 (DL) E-mail: dvcrpe@uonbi. ac. ke University of Nairobi ISO 9001: 2008 15 Certified http: //www. uonbi. ac. ke