University-Industry Technology Transfer: Issues and Probable Remedies

The importance of technology transfer (TT) from Universities to industry cannot be overstated. Such transfer does not only stimulate development, but is also a way of bringing research into practical use. However, the issue of how Universities and industry partner for enhancement of TT activities is not well articulated. This study attempts to answer the following questions: How does policy on intellectual property rights affect TT from Universities? How does government funding affect TT from Universities? This research highlights the mechanisms adopted by Ugandan Universities for TT and the avenues for protecting intellectual property rights. It is hoped that the findings of this study will provide useful lessons to policy makers who are concerned with evaluating the effectiveness of TT from Universities. The Endogenous Growth Model was used to assess this TT. The research project was a qualitative descriptive single case study using Makerere University as a case institution. The Nvivo 9 data analysis technique was employed to organize and analyse the data. Findings indicate that inadequate funding; problems with ownership of intellectual property, lack of ethics by faculty and researchers, low motivation of staff and conflict of interest are the major impediments to University-industry TT in Uganda. The study recommends increased funding for University-industry TT activities and formalization of intellectual property rights in higher education institutions.