Speaker
Description
Nwube, S. N.
Ebonyi State College of Education, Ikwo Ebonyi State, Nigeria
simeonnwube@gmail.com
Track: Research, Innovation and Knowledge Ecosystems
UNIVERSITY OF KIGALI
CONFERENCE ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION FROM COE, IKWO
THEME OF CONFERENCE: BRIDGING THE DIGITAL DIVIDE: REIMAGINING FUTURE-READY HIGHER EDUCATION ECOSYSTEMS IN AFRICA
INSTITUTION: EBONYI STATE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, IKWO
Name: Dr Simeon N. Nwube E.mail: simeonnwube@gmail.com Phone: +2348034444223 Department: Christian Religious Studies Topic: The Role of Intermediary Organizations in Bridging Research and Market Gaps Within Regional Knowledge Ecosystems: A Focus on The Nigerian Educational Sector.
Abstract This paper examines how intermediary organizations bridge research-market gaps within Nigeria's educational sector, where knowledge production and commercialization remain severely disconnected despite substantial research output. Drawing on evidence from government documents, agency reports, and scholarly literature (2023–2026), we identify three intermediary models: NOTAP's intellectual property and technology transfer offices (69 established), NASENI's public agency commercialization framework (44 indigenous technologies commercialized), and TETFund-sponsored multi-stakeholder initiatives (15 memoranda of understanding signed). Despite these investments, systemic challenges persist—weak intellectual property cultures, inadequate research infrastructure, fragmented coordination, and commercialization rates below one percent (compared to regional benchmarks of five to ten percent). We propose an integrated framework for effective intermediation tailored to Nigeria, including complementary intermediation portfolios, structured commercialization pathways, and sustainable financing models that diversify beyond government dependence. Priority areas for future research and policy intervention are identified.
Keywords: innovation intermediaries, technology transfer, university-industry linkage, knowledge ecosystems, Nigeria, research commercialization