Speaker
Description
Haruna, A.
Zamfara State College of Education, Maru
harunaabdullahi41@gmail.com
Track: Research, Innovation and Knowledge Ecosystems
Research and innovation are widely recognized as critical drivers of societal progress, economic growth, and sustainable development. Tertiary institutions play a vital role in generating knowledge, fostering innovation, and facilitating collaborations that address contemporary societal challenges. However, many institutions in developing countries continue to face constraints related to research capacity, innovation support systems, funding, and collaborative networks. This study examines the status of research, innovation, and knowledge ecosystems in selected tertiary institutions in Zamfara State, Nigeria, with the aim of identifying opportunities for enhancing societal and economic impact. A mixed-methods research design will be adopted, integrating quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population comprises approximately 1,400 academic staff from selected tertiary institutions in the state. Using the Taro Yamane sample size determination formula at a 5% margin of error, a sample size of 311 respondents was obtained and proportionately distributed across the selected institutions. Data will be collected through structured questionnaires, interviews, and direct observations, and be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics as well as thematic analysis. The study anticipates increasing participation in research and innovation activities and growing collaboration among institutions and external stakeholders. It recommended for enhanced research funding, innovation hubs, strategic partnerships, capacity-building initiatives, and policies that promote knowledge transfer and utilization to maximize societal and economic impact.