Lancaster University Ghana (LUG) has called for stronger collaboration between industry academia, government and communities to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development in Ghana.

It said countries investing in collaboration across the three sectors were better positioned to develop competitive talent and drive innovation.

The Head of the Computer Science Department at Lancaster University Ghana, Dr Pius Gadosey, who stated this in Accra yesterday during year’s Brunch with Corporates 2026, said closer collaboration between industry, academia and the government was crucial in building local capacity and promoting innovation and new technologies.

The programme held on the theme: ‘The Quadruple Helix in Practice: Strengthening Academia, Community, Business and Government Collaboration in Ghana,’ convened leaders from academia, government, and industry to explore practical strategies to prepare Ghana’s workforce for an increasingly digital future.

Dr Godosey said stronger partnerships between universities, businesses, policymakers and communities could bridge the gap between academic research and industry needs while fostering innovation, digital transformation and sustainable economic growth.

For her part, the  Head of the Business Studies Department at Lancaster University Ghana, Dr  Gloria Sraha,  emphasised the need to introduce Artificial Intelligence (AI) education at earlier stages of learning and stressed the importance of creating stronger pathways for commercialising student-led research and innovation. She also announced plans for Lancaster University Ghana to establish a Business and Innovation Hub and Incubation Programme to support student entrepreneurs in transforming ideas into viable businesses.

From the industry perspective, the Senior Manager, Fintech Business Development (Commercial & Operations), Mobile Money Fintech Limited, Mr Charles Osei Owusu, explained that Artificial Intelligence was reshaping financial services by improving customer experience, expanding financial inclusion and strengthening fraud prevention.

He noted that closer collaboration between universities and industry would help address the growing digital skills gap.

Representing the government, the Director for Corporate and Legal Affairs at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Mr Raymond Bidma Esq. Reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating policies that encourage responsible AI adoption and entrepreneurship.

He said the government would support innovation ecosystems that empowered young people and technology startups.

Throughout the discussion, panelists agreed that meaningful collaboration among academia, business, government and communities is essential to ensuring Ghana remains competitive in the era of emerging technologies.

Brunch with Corporates is Lancaster University Ghana’s flagship engagement platform that connects academia with industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to promote dialogue, partnerships and practical solutions to national development challenges.

As Ghana continues its digital transformation journey, Lancaster University Ghana remains committed to producing graduates equipped with globally relevant skills while fostering innovation through strategic collaboration.