Lancaster University Ghana has renewed calls for stronger collaboration between academia, industry, government and local communities to accelerate innovation, entrepreneurship and economic growth in the country.
The appeal was made during the university’s annual “Brunch with Corporates” event in Accra, where stakeholders discussed how partnerships under the Quadruple Helix model could bridge the gap between education and industry while promoting the commercialisation of research.
Participants observed that closer cooperation among key sectors would better equip graduates with industry-relevant skills, foster technological advancement and strengthen Ghana’s innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Pius Gadosey, Head of the Computer Science Department at Lancaster University Ghana, said countries that invest in stronger collaboration between universities, industry and government are better positioned to develop skilled talent and drive digital transformation.
He stressed the need for practical education and research partnerships that expose students to real-world challenges while promoting technology transfer and innovation.
Dr. Gloria Sraha, Head of the Business Studies Department, advocated the early integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Ghana’s education system to prepare students for future careers.
She noted that although students continue to develop innovative ideas, inadequate collaboration among academia, government and industry has limited their ability to transform those ideas into successful commercial ventures.
To address the challenge, Dr. Sraha announced plans by Lancaster University Ghana to establish an Entrepreneurship and Incubation Hub to support students in converting innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
Speaking from the industry perspective, Mr. Charles Osei Owusu, Senior Manager for Fintech Business Development, Commercial and Operations at MobileMoney Fintech Limited, described Artificial Intelligence as a critical driver of business transformation and economic competitiveness.
He said stronger partnerships between universities and industry would help close existing skills gaps and produce graduates who are better prepared for the evolving job market.
Mr. Raymond Bidema, Director of Corporate and Legal Affairs at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to creating policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage responsible adoption of emerging technologies while supporting innovation and entrepreneurship.
Stakeholders agreed that sustained collaboration among academia, industry, government and communities would be essential to unlocking Ghana’s innovation potential and promoting inclusive economic development.
