Technical Universities in Ghana have been urged to be more innovative and go beyond publishing academic papers for promotion by focusing on commercialising research output.

This is the only way they can remain relevant and be more agile and responsive to the challenges in 21st-century universities. 

Conference
 

 These were some of the issues that emerged during the maiden Green Building Research Conference hosted by the Cape Coast Technical University on the theme ‘’The Role of Built Environment Professionals in Prioritizing Net Zero Buildings’’. 

Speaking on the topic ‘Managing Intellectual Property (IP) in Contemporary Research’, the Coordinator of the Industry and Innovation Unit of the Directorate of Research, Innovation, and Consultancy of the University of Cape Coast, Mr. Isaac Nketsiah, underscored the need for Technical Universities to develop intellectual property framework to guide their research and scholarly works in order to generate income from the commercialisation of their research output. 

Mr. Nketsiah who was also a guest speaker at the conference was worried that most universities in Africa engage in teaching and basic research activities however, they always miss .opportunities to breakthrough with discoveries and solutions to nib some of the challenges confronting the continent in the bud. He cited the water bicycle by a Takoradi Technical University student; Water Bill App developed by some students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; Solar handwashing prompting machine by Cape Coast Technical University as examples of innovations and IP assets that can be exploited.

Recommendations

Mr. Nketsiah recommended that technical universities (TUs) should develop and operationalize effective institutional IP policy that provides guidelines on the creation, protection, and commercialisation of IP assets. “TUs need to put in place appropriate support structures such as the establishment of Technology Transfer Office and Business Incubation Services and also include IP as part of the reward system for academic promotion,” he proposed.  

Participants

Present were the Vice-Chancellor as well as the Pro-Vice Chancellor of the Cape Coast Technical University, the Member of Parliament of Cape Coast North, Hon. Dr. Kwamena Minta Nyarku; Nana Obokese Ampah I, the Apagyahene of Asebu Traditional Council;  Arc. Forster Osae-Akonnor, President, Ghana Green Building Council, Bishop Peter Kojo Sackey;  President, United Nations Association, Ghana, a representative of the Central Regional Minister, Hon. Mrs. Justine Marigold Assan. 
Also present at the conference were some lecturers from Dr. Hilla Liman Technical University, Tamale Technical University, Koforidua Technical University, Kumasi Technical University, Sunyani Technical University, Takoradi Technical University, Accra Technical University and Bolgatanga Technical University.