University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate (UIL&TTD)

Ambo University > University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate (UIL&TTD)

University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer Directorate (UIL&TTD)

University-Industry Linkage and Technology Transfer (UIL and TT) is a suitable media for bringing the collective efforts of stakeholders to meaningfully play a significant role in the development of the country. To this end, Ambo University (AU) established UIL & TT directorate under Research and Community Services Vice President office in July 2017.

The concept of linkage is a coordinated system of work among education and training, research institutions, NGOs and industries to engage in a collaborative manner. In the other way, it is the communication and interaction between two or more organizations, having shared objectives which in turn, enhance knowledge and technology transfer among the stakeholders. In higher learning institutions, it is widely conceptualized as the integration of universities and industries to utilize knowledge and research outputs in a way it positively impacts the industries.

The existence of cooperation among the stakeholders maximizes quality service delivery; and removes the traditional barriers among university and other organizations.  Thus, the establishment of UIL & TT benefits universities, industries, public institutions and other stakeholders that have shared objectives.

It also serves as an appropriate channel for transferring new practices, knowledge and research outputs to the larger community, in addition to playing a crucial role in identifying research problems to undertake need-based research. Moreover, UIL & TT contributes much to have problem-solving curriculum that enhances social, economic and political development of the country. In community service delivery, similar benefits would be obtained from university UIL to realize demand-based community services and TT. Quality education, need-based research and community services are more enhanced when those who have shared objectives closely interact and involve in the process of teaching, technology generation, demonstration, multiplication and dissemination.  Likewise, university graduates are employed by different industries. In such away, the graduates contribute to the productivity of the industries.

The Growth and Transformation Plan II (GTPII) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia is targeting to foster sustainable economic development through agricultural led industrialization. To translate such noble plan into action, it requires collective effort of all stakeholders in order to avoid effort duplication; and efficient resource utilization.

Objective of UIL & TT

The main objective of UIL & TT is to enhance quality education, research and technology transfer through maintaining strong linkage among the actors for mutual benefit.

Guiding principles of UIL & TT

Accountability: Linkage management needs efficient service delivery system

Inclusiveness:  Creating linkage with industry requires the participation and cooperation of concerned colleges/institutes/ schools

Respect for Diversity of Knowledge:  Collaboratively generated knowledge by scientific and Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) is respected.

Relevance: The linkage is created with the partners that employ our graduates and use our research output.

Responsiveness: Linkage needs to be in line with the needs and demands of the client organizations.

Global coverage: The linkage is created with local and global industries.

Sustainability: AU strives to maintain sustainability of linkage with different partners by adhering to and implementing articles as agreed in Memorandum of Understanding.

Scope of linkage

The linkage shall extend to take place with international, national government and private universities, technical and vocational education and training centers, research centers, manufacturing and service provision enterprises/industries, NGOs etc.

Implementation of UIL & TT

The linkage mechanisms that AU would like to apply with different partners are summarized as follows;

  • Collaborative research and community services
  • Industry and/or government-funded research and short and long term trainings
  • Consultancy services
  • Practical attachment/ internship and externship

The major focuses of UIL & TT at Ambo University shall be to:

  • Establish linkage between university and industries
  • Prepare legal agreements/ Memorandum of Understandings  for collaborative works with industries
  • Facilitate collaborative research and community services
  • Identify technological needs of industries in collaboration with the respective departments
  • Develop research/technology transfer  project proposals  to solicit fund
  • Design mechanism for disseminating research outputs to the end users
  • Facilitate demonstration and dissemination of technologies/improved practices
  • Develop policies on intellectual property right with relevant institutions
  • Collaborate with different units of the university to create linkage  for executing different linkage activities
  • Make adaptation trial in collaboration with stakeholders on new technologies obtained from different organizations.

 Ambo University welcomes to create linkage with national and international organizations in the areas of teaching, research, Technology Transfer and community services.

Responsible Staff: Birhanu Kebede (PhD)