The AI database exhibits research proposals from academia to attract funding from industry which is expected to use the findings to either develop new products or enhance existing ones.

The platform also provides programmes and findings of students to be considered by industry for attachment programmes and enhancement.

Deputy minister

A Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Robert Ahomka-Lindsey, who launched the AI database in Kumasi last Wednesday, said the need to develop this linkage was to build a strong innovation ecosystem in the country which would result in a win-win situation for both industry and academia.

He said in order to create a win-win situation, it was important to understand the needs of each stakeholder and the role they needed to play.

Theme

The academia-industry stakeholder conference was on the theme: “Strengthening academia-industry collaboration for national development.

It is under the Building Stronger Universities Project which is being sponsored by the Danish government.

It tackles several areas of the sustainable development goals including water and sanitation.

Mr Ahomka-Lindsay said for the successful implementation of the government’s industrial policies including the One-District, One-Factory, active involvement of scientists from academia was required.

He said science and technology were crucial to the effectiveness of the programme since researches would help give accurate findings on the viability of a particular project.

“Sound research and development enables businesses to stay competitive and build customer loyalty as well as help boost sales and increase profitability,” Mr Ahomka - Lindsey said.

He said the manufacturing sector in Ghana was characterised by a large population of micro, small and medium-sized firms, most of which use obsolete technology and have low capital and human resources base.

He said this reduced their ability to undertake and absorb science and technology for innovation, in order to improve their level of productivity and competitiveness.

The Head of Graduate Studies, KNUST, Professor Clement Abaidoo, said it was time universities built capacities that could be depended upon for both societal and national development.

He said that called for renewed relationship between academia and industry with the view to transforming societies.