Assessing Makerere University innovation ecosystem

Abstract

This study aimed to explore the innovation ecosystem at Makerere University, the study was premised on four objectives ; to analyze the Legal and policy innovation ecosystem at Makerere University; to identify the different stakeholders of innovation ecosystems at Makerere University, to find the challenges the innovation ecosystems at Makerere university face while engaging with other stakeholders, and to make recommendations on areas of improvement of the engagements among stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem at Makerere University. The study employed a cross-sectional, exploratory research design with a qualitative study approach, which involved interviewing 8 respondents out of a sample of 10 innovators from 10 academic units in Makerere university. Data were analyzed using Atlas ti Version 9.2. The study reviewed the existing legal and policy frameworks; Makerere University's policies reviewed included Intellectual Property, Research and Innovations, ICT, Entrepreneurship, and Quality Assurance, are crucial for innovation hubs. However, gaps exist, such as a lack of ICT sustainability plan due to donor dependency, inadequate funding and incentives for research, and a lack of a comprehensive legal framework for intellectual property rights protection. From the results the study identified the different stakeholders who included, industry Partners, Governments, Non-governmental organization, Funding Partners, Media, Innovation hubs and other for example UNDP, MTN Ug, URSB, NTV and many others. The study identified the challenges involved with working with the stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem, through the interviews which included, aligning many stakeholders with different varying interests, competing stakeholder priorities, communication breakdown and resistance to share information from the stakeholders. Therefore, the study recommends that University innovation ecosystems create shared vision and mission, that the University updates its innovation policies to suitable the current trends in innovation interactions. Finally, the study recommends University innovation ecosystems adopt a strategic approach to engaging with their stakeholders It can help universities to identify and align their goals, capabilities, and resources with the needs and opportunities of the ecosystem.