Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate

                                          Abebe Yabeker Beza (Assistant Professor) 

                                     Phone: +251911382123, Office: +251-118-840290

                                               Address: Wolkite University

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Objectives/Goals

The primary objective of the Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate is to bridge the gap between academia and industry by fostering collaborative partnerships, facilitating technology transfer, and driving the commercialization of innovations. The Directorate aims to enhance the integration of research, innovation, and industry to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both sectors, thus contributing to economic growth and societal development.

Development Goals

1. Enhancing Industry Collaboration

Ø  Establish Long-Term Partnerships: Build strategic, sustainable relationships with key industries to secure funding for research and create job opportunities for graduates.

Ø  Align Internship and Externship Programs: Develop and expand industry-aligned internship and externship programs, providing students with practical, hands-on experiences that meet the needs of the evolving job market.

2. Strengthening Technology Transfer Mechanisms

Ø  Develop a Structured Framework: Establish a robust framework for patenting, licensing, and the commercialization of university innovations, ensuring effective protection and utilization of intellectual property (IP).

Ø  Support Startups and Spin-offs: Create and nurture technology incubation centers that assist in the development of innovative startups and spin-offs, supporting entrepreneurial initiatives within the academic community.

3. Expanding Research & Innovation Impact

Ø  Increase Applied Research Projects: Promote and support applied research initiatives that directly address industry and societal challenges, ensuring that academic research translates into real-world solutions.

Ø  Foster Market-Oriented Innovation: Encourage faculty and students to develop innovations with high market potential, driving economic and technological advancements.

4. Developing Entrepreneurial Ecosystems & Skills Enhancement

Ø  Launch Entrepreneurship Programs: Implement entrepreneurship training and mentorship programs to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset among students and faculty.

Ø  Facilitate Access to Funding: Provide pathways to funding for startups through venture capital, grants, and other financial support mechanisms.

Ø  Align Academic Programs with Industry Demands: Continuously update curricula to reflect the evolving needs of industry, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills required by today’s job market.

Ø  Offer Certification Programs: Provide certification programs in emerging technologies and skill areas to enhance employability and foster lifelong learning.

5. Building Capacity & Institutional Excellence

Ø  Train Staff in Key Areas: Equip university staff with expertise in intellectual property (IP) management, project negotiation, and commercialization strategies to effectively manage the university’s innovations.

Ø  Strengthen International Collaborations: Establish partnerships with international institutions and organizations for technology exchange, knowledge sharing, and global networking, enhancing the university’s global reach and impact.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate is responsible for managing and overseeing the following major activities:

1. Coordinate University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Activities

Manage and strengthen the relationship between the university and industries, ensuring the alignment of research and innovation with industry needs.

2. Monitor and Evaluate Activities

Track and evaluate the implementation of university-industry linkage and technology transfer initiatives to ensure their success and impact.

3. Facilitate Student Internship, Externship, and Industrial Attachment Programs

Strengthen internship and externship programs, working with industry partners to provide students with relevant, high-quality work experience.

4. Support the Establishment of Innovation and Technology Centers

Facilitate the development of centers such as the Science and Technology Support Center, Technology Transfer Center, and Business and Technology Incubation Center to promote innovation, research commercialization, and entrepreneurial activities.

5. Manage Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Issues

Collaborate with the Ethiopian Intellectual Property Office (EIPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to address matters related to intellectual property, such as patents, utility models, and industrial designs, ensuring that university innovations are properly protected and managed.

6. Facilitate Commercialization of Intellectual Property

Support the utilization and commercialization of novel intellectual property arising from research, guiding the transition of technology and research results into industry applications.

7. Provide High-Quality Internship and Externship Outcomes

Ensure that internship and externship programs are aligned with industry standards, delivering valuable outcomes for both students and participating industries.

8. Manage Technology Transfer Proposals

Monitor and follow up on calls for technology transfer proposals, providing timely feedback regarding acceptance or rejection, and facilitating the signing of agreements for accepted proposals.

9. Organize Innovation and Technology Exhibitions

Organize and facilitate exhibitions, workshops, and forums to showcase technological innovations, including demonstrations in agriculture, health, and other key sectors.

10. Ensure the Quality of Internship and Externship Programs

Regularly monitor and assess the quality of internship and externship programs, ensuring they meet the academic and industry requirements and deliver beneficial outcomes for all stakeholders.

Through these efforts, the Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate aims to foster a dynamic and thriving ecosystem that connects academia with industry, driving innovation, enhancing economic development, and positioning Wolkite University as a leader in technology transfer and entrepreneurship.

Coordinating offices under the Directorate

1. University Industry Linkage Officer

ü  Oversees the coordination and management of industry partnerships, fostering relationships with key stakeholders in various sectors.

2. Technology Innovation Incubation and Transfer Officer

ü  Manages the incubation process and facilitates the commercialization of research outcomes, ensuring that innovative ideas are transformed into market-ready technologies.

By achieving these objectives, the Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate at Wolkite University aims to not only advance academic and research excellence but also to drive economic development through innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic industry partnerships.