The Challenges and Opportunities for Technology Transfer and Community Engagement at Research Universities: The Case of Hawassa University, Ethiopia.

Abstract

Universities are indispensable in transforming society toward a sustainable future through the generation and transfer of knowledge. The intent of this study was to assess how universities contribute to regional development in emerging economies, with an emphasis on university engagement with research, technology transfer, and community engagement initiatives. Specifically, the study examined the opportunities and challenges for technology transfer and community engagement at research universities. The study used a qualitative design and collected data through document review, focus groups, and key informant interviews (KII). Thematic analysis was then used to analyze the data. The results show that, especially in the last fifteen years, Hawassa University's R&D, technology transfer, and community engagement initiatives have advanced significantly. Also, the study revealed that the institution is now encountering with both emerging and existing opportunities as well as challenges. Technology villages and regional industrial clusters, which transform the town into a manufacturing hub in the region, benefit the university. However, the institution endures an assortment of challenges, including poor research project outcomes, a tight budget, a lack of well-equipped labs, inadequate incentives for researchers, an inefficient government procurement process, bureaucracy, and a lack of awareness regarding community engagement. This study further indicates that universities could have a significant role in regional development by supporting research, technological transfer, and community engagement initiatives. Therefore, leveraging the best use of their opportunities and alleviating their constraints will increase institutions' capabilities to engage in a more active role as catalysts for regional innovation systems and promote regional development.