BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME
The idea of industry-university linkage and technology transfer was first initiated by the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative (DAFI) Global Program with the aim to encourage the development of qualified human resources who contribute to their family and host or home country communities’ self-reliance, thereby supporting greater peace and stability in the region
It is undeniable fact that industry-university linkage and technology transfer could be helpful in cultivating a culture of innovation and strengthening the linkage and partnership between the university and the industry.
Moreover, it can contribute to create a solution center for all adaptive, innovative and consultancy needs of the industry and to contribute to the digital transformation of the country.
However, according to Dereje Anduanbessa, Officer at the Association of Ethiopians Educated in Germany (AEEG), industry and university linkage in Ethiopia is not well organized and exercised in a manner it is designed. So efforts should be exerted to fix the gap among stakeholders in organized way.
Ensuring reliable as well as structured linkage between and among higher education institutions and various industries is fundamental for any country in many ways. One reason could be to build well equipped and long-lasting TVET centers while ensuring sustainable development.
Though higher education institutions are widely recognized as essential contributors to economic development through their role in producing skilled human capital that could drive innovations and incubate knowledge and skills to the coming generation, there are various indications that the institutions are not handled very well and the outcome it is being observed is not at the desired rate.
Ethiopia is demanding a qualified workforce that can execute duties and responsibilities professionally and accordingly. Thus, it is essential to link the education sector both public and private with the industries to achieve the needed outcome.
Time has passed since Ethiopia becomes the home of many internationally reputed companies that are engaged in beverage, cosmetics, textile, leather, and automotive among others.
The TVET trainees should come to the site where these industries are found and be able to get training.
The performance of cooperative training should also be well managed in order to get substantial skill and knowledge.
To this effect, as to him, the Ministry should work hard in integrating all stakeholders to make linkage through working structures.
He further noted that the industry-university linkage practices of Asian countries are exemplary; and Germany and Ethiopia should make a benchmark out of the experiences of the aforementioned countries.
Responding to the experience of Germany, he noted that the private industry as well as the manufacturing sector is working in coherence and unity. The workforce is also an organized workforce coming from various levels of experience.
“I had observed seniors, mid as well the juniors assigned to share experiences like skill, knowledge and passion. This kind of approach is instrumental because it lets juniors get hands- on training through practical exposures.”
Dereje also noted that Ethiopia has produced documents that depict the importance of industry-university linkage. However, there is a gap in putting things in to practice. “In my view, it is time to translate ideas in to action in university-industry linkage so as to produce well equipped, responsible and productive citizens.”
Ministry of Science and Higher Education Minister Dr. Samuel Urkato for his part said that Higher Education, TVET, Research Institute and Industry Linkage (HETRIL) is a system of work in which research institutions, higher education and TVET collaborate with the industry to strengthen the training system and technology transfer.
Thus, sectorial research institutions of higher education and TVET institutions as well as the industry need to be integrated to support one another.
Although a number of achievements have been registered in the areas of technology transfer, industry extension service and value chain analysis, a much stronger work has not been done to translate and expand the intentions into practice.
Therefore, in order to solve these problems, it is necessary to strengthen the linkage among and between TVET, higher education institutions, research Institutions and the industry.
He further noted that the Ministry is committed to the implementation of the TVET policy and strategy. This requires the introduction of new activities and structures, the adoption of a fresh way of working, based on collaboration and the creation of partnerships and the identification of additional human and financial resources.
The next step is to actively engaging in the implementation of the policy and strategy so that every effort will be made to achieve the milestones that are defined in the policy and strategy.
Successful implementation of the policy and strategy demands diligent effort by all stakeholders, he opined.
“I recommend a proper implementation of TVET policy and strategy as well as urge all stakeholders in the TVET sub-sector including the private sector to contribute their part.” Dr. Samuel remarked.
The Ethiopian Herald February 13 /2021
